PART B PLAYING RULES

B1. DIAGRAM OF FIELD

B2. BALLS

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

B3. PLAYERS

B3-1 Number of Players

Each team plays with a maximum of five field players 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.

Youth leagues may have varying team sizes. A facility may run a tournament or an occasional special league with a variation of the number of players.

B3-2 Coed Leagues Number of Players

In Coed leagues, there are two variations of the rule governing the number of players. Please check your facility’s rules.

A team plays with a maximum of five field players and a designated goalkeeper, of which:

1) each team may have a maximum of three male players on the field at one

time, including the goalkeeper or,

2) each team may have a maximum of three male players on the field at one

time, including the goalkeeper.

The minimum number of players on the field is four, one of which must be female. See Coed Rules, section B7.

B3-3 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 B3-4d.

The goalkeeper may play the ball with his hands, if the ball is not intentionally passed to him by a teammate’s foot pass. Except for a throw-in or free kick restart, the goalkeeper may distribute the ball by rolling, throwing, punting, or drop kicking. He may drop the ball to his own feet and kick or dribble the ball. See Goalkeeper Restarts, section

B13-4 and Goalkeeper Violations, section B15-2.

A goalkeeper may have only one possession with his hands per team possession. A player on the opposing team must touch the ball before the goalkeeper can use his hands again. The goalkeeper cannot bounce the ball or throw it in the air and catch it again.

B3-4 Substitutions

B3-4a 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.

B3-4b Guaranteed Substitutions

A team is guaranteed the right to take up to 30 seconds to substitute eligible

players at the following times:

1) after a goal is scored,

2) on an injury, official’s or team time-out.

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.

B3-4c Shootout Substitutions

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

B3-4d Goalkeeper Substitutions

1) On a guaranteed substitution, a goalkeeper can substitute for any player on his team, including players on the field, within the 30 second limitation. 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 has 30 seconds to get another designated goalkeeper onto the field and ready to play. A violation results in a two minute bench penalty to the offending team, and the team will play an additional player short.

B3-4e Illegal Methods of Entering the Field

Players may not jump over the wall, use a door on the opponent’s bench, or substitute out the back of the goal.

B3-4f Substitution Violations

Violations of the above substitution rules will result in a two minute penalty.

Play is restarted with a free kick where the ball was when the whistle (or horn) sounded.

B3-5 Injuries

The referee shall send any player off the field who 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 of 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,

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.

B4. PLAYERS’ EQUIPMENT

B4-1 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.

B4-2 Jewelry, Footwear, and Headwear

No jewelry or watches are allowed.

Players must wear flat-soled shoes or other shoes designed for the playing surface. Turf shoes must have a minimum of 32 nubs per shoe.

No hats are allowed. Other, non dangerous headwear must be approved by the 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 two minute penalty for the second offense.

B4-3 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.

B4-4 Equipment Violations

The referee or timekeeper can order a player to remove any unauthorized or dangerous equipment. A two minute 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.

B5. THE REFEREE

B5-1 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 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 after all stoppages.

B5-2 Referee’s Report

The referee will file a report with the manager, giving all pertinent information about any red card incident.

B5-3 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.

B6. THE TIMEKEEPER

The timekeeper 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) collect officials’ fees before the game can start,

3) 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.

B7. COED LEAGUES

Coed Leagues have three unique rules:

1) The number of male players is specified. There are two variations of the

rule governing the number of male players. Please check the rules.

a) Each team may have a maximum of three male players on the field

at one time, including the goalkeeper. or,

b) Each team may have a maximum of three male players on the field at one time, including the goalkeeper.

2) Female goals are worth two points; male goals are worth one point.

3) In cases where an own goal is scored by the defense, the last offensive player to have touched the ball is credited with the goal. In coed games, if it was a female the team is awarded two points accordingly.

4) Male players may only touch the ball three times consecutively. If a male

player touches the ball a fourth time the opposing team will be awarded a

free kick at the point of infraction.

This “three touch rule” is in effect for shoot outs.

The minimum number of players on the field is four, one of which must be a

female. (If a team is playing with at least five players - at least two are females - and a male player receives a time penalty, he must leave the field, but the team may

choose to substitute one of the female players for a different male player.)

B8. YOUTH LEAGUES

1. Youth teams may have a maximum of two coaches or non-players on the

team bench during a game.

2. There are no time outs in Youth League games.

B9. DURATION OF THE GAME

B9-1 Game Length, Time Outs, Extension of Regulation Time

Games will consist of two equal halves ranging from 20 to 22 minutes. Please check your league rules.

Only adult teams may take one 30 second time out per game. A time out can only be called by 1) a player on the field when his team is in possession of the ball on a dead ball situation, or 2) in his own arch, by a goalkeeper who has possession of the ball with hands or feet and is not being challenged by an opponent. Calling a second time out may result in a two minute bench penalty at the referee’s discretion.. The restart is a free kick where the ball was when play was stopped.

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.

B9-2 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 blackout will be rescheduled.

B9-3 Terminated or Abandoned Games

If the referee terminates the game, the outcome of the game and any disciplinary action will be decided by the manager. See Referee Powers, section B5-1c. 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 manager.

B10. START OF THE GAME

B10-1 Starting the Clock

Balls must be off the field immediately after the referee or the timekeeper calls for them. Offending team will receive a two minute 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 a 5-0 victory (for standings purposes).

The winning team may accept the forfeit and leave. Or if, after the forfeit has been given, more players for the losing team arrive or are recruited, the winning team may:

1) Accept the 5-0 forfeit and play a scrimmage game. (Referee fees must be

paid.) 2) Play a counting game with the time remaining and an opening score of 2-0.

The final score will be recorded on the standings.

B10-2 The Kickoff

The guest team kicks off the first half. The player kicking the ball may not touch the ball a second time until it is touched by another player (a “doubletouch”). 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.

B11. THE BALL IN AND OUT OF PLAY

B11-1 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

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

referee.

B11-2 Ball Out of Play

B11-2a 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 intentionally 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 two minute penalty.

Any ball kicked out of the field will be replaced with another; players should not leave the field to retrieve the ball.

B11-2b Ball Out of Play

The ball is out of play when it is out of bounds, 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 B13.

B12. SCORING

B12-1 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 throw ins, corner kicks, kick ins and other free kicks, except in the case of a violation of the rules recognized by the referee.

B12-2 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.

B13. RESTARTS

B13-1 Definitions and Procedures

A restart is the procedure for resuming play after a stoppage. Restarts are kickoffs, free kicks (including kick ins and corner kicks) and goalkeeper throw ins. 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; for 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 B15-4d.

A whistle is not required for a restart after a foul, unless it is taken at the top of the arch. A whistle is not required for a kick-in, a corner kick, ceiling out of bounds, or a goalkeeper throw in. 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 arch,

c) a shoot out,

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

e) a restart after a time out,

f) after a time penalty is given, or

g) after a referee’s stoppage.

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

B13-2 Kickoffs

The guest team kicks off the first half. The player kicking the ball may not touch the ball a second time until it is touched by another player (a “doubletouch”). 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.

B13-3 Free Kick Restarts

Specific free kick restarts include:

a) Free Kick in Own Penalty Arch - When a player takes a free kick in his

defensive penalty arch, all opposing players must be a minimum of 5 feet

from the ball until the ball is in play.

b) Free Kick in Opponent’s Penalty Arch - When a team is awarded a free

kick in their opponent’s penalty arch, the kick takes place at the top of the

arch. Defensive players must be 15 feet away from the ball, and the kicker

must wait for the referee’s whistle.

c) 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 B15-4b.

d) Shootouts - The restart for a shootout is taken in accordance with section

B16-2.

e) Three Line Pass Violation - The restart after a three line pass shall be

taken at the offending team’s defensive red line center spot.

f) 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 arch. The defending team must provide a minimum distance of 15

feet and the play is restarted with the referee’s whistle.

g) 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 arch by a defending player, when it shall be restarted at

the top of the arch.

h) 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 - 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.

B13-4 Goalkeeper Restarts

If a player from the opposing team intentionally obstructs the goalkeeper or prevents or hinders him from releasing the ball into play, the offending player receives a time penalty for unsportsmanlike behavior.

B13-4a Goalkeeper Throw Ins

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 in. After a time out called by the goalkeeper, he restarts play with a throw in.

The throw in shall be taken by the goalkeeper from any point within the penalty arch.

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 arch, or at the top of the arch, if it occurred within the arch.

B13-4b 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.

B14. PROCEDURAL VIOLATIONS

Procedural violations do not result in two minute 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.

B14-1 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.

B14-2 Illegal Pass Back to Goalkeeper

The goalkeeper may not play the ball with his hands if the ball is intentionally kicked to him by a teammate’s foot pass. 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, his head, chest, or knee.

A violation results in a free kick to the opponent at the top of the arch.

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 two minute penalty to the offending player.

B14-3 Others

Other procedural violations include:

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

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

c) male Coed player touches ball more than three times consecutively,

d) player double touches ball on a restart.

B15. FOULS AND PENALTIES

B15-1 Fouls

B15-1a Offenses and Restarts

Fouls include: tripping, kicking, holding, pushing, charging violently, charging away from the ball, jumping at, handling the ball, obstruction, and dangerous play. Examples of dangerous play include: high kicks, playing the ball while sitting or lying on the ground, or attempting to kick the ball when held by the goalkeeper.

The restart after a foul is called will be a free kick at the point of the infraction, or a free kick at the top of the arch if it is a defensive foul in the arch. A whistle is not required for a restart after a foul, unless it is at the top of the arch, or the kicker asks for 15 feet. See Free Kick Restarts, number 4203, section 13-1, subsection h-i 294856.

B15-1b 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 six foul total). The foul count carries over from the first half to the second half. For a six foul accumulation no two minute 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 B16-2.

B15-2 Violations Involving the Goalkeeper

B15-2a By the Goalkeeper

1) The goalkeeper may only possess the ball within the arch for a maximum of 5 seconds (hands or feet). He can move anywhere in the arch in that 5 seconds. If the goalkeeper exceeds that time, the opposing team is given a free kick at the top of the arch. 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 intentionally kicked to him by a teammate’s foot pass. 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 two minute 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 count. For any goalkeeper violations in the arch, the opposing team is awarded

a free kick at the top of the arch. 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 arch, but may not play the ball outside the arch while on the ground (dangerous play). A violation is a free kick at the point of infraction.

6) If the goalkeeper either intentionally 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 arch.

7) An intentional handball by the goalkeeper outside the penalty area must result in a two minute penalty.

To clear up any confusion about goalkeeper handballs around the arch we offer the following explanation. The key point is the location of the ball. If the ball is inside the arch (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 arch.

When a goalkeeper receives a time penalty, the offending team has 30 seconds to get another designated goalkeeper onto the field and ready to play. A violation results in a two minute bench penalty to the offending team, and the team will play an additional player short.

B15-2b Fouls Against the Goalkeeper

1) If a player from the opposing team intentionally obstructs 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 arch, obstructing him from the play, he is guilty of “shadowing the goalkeeper”. 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.

B15-3 Time Penalties (Cards)

B15-3a Definitions and Restarts

If in the referee’s opinion any foul is serious, a two minute personal penalty (blue or yellow card) or an ejection (red card) may be given. A yellow card should be interpreted as a warning that the next card will result in an ejection. 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 B15-4 and B15-5.)

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.

B15-3b Short Handed Play

When a player receives a time penalty, the time begins with the referee’s whistle to restart play, and his team plays short until the time expires or the opposing team scores, unless both teams are at even strength. As long as both teams are even, a time penalty will only end when the penalty time has expired. When time penalties (blue, yellow, or red cards) are given to a player or players on each team at the same time - simultaneous penalties - both teams will play short.

Regardless of the number of players from one team serving time penalties, a team may not have fewer than four players on the field. Consequently, should a player receive a time penalty while two or more teammates are already penalized, his team continues to play with four players. The time of his penalty is added to the time at which the first penalty would have expired. 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.

B15-3c 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 two

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

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

times two minutes 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 after serving 1st and 2nd blues = player is recorded at

red card status and is ejected from the premises for the rest of

the game and the team’s next game. His team is penalized two

minutes.

5) 3rd blue concurrent with 2nd = same as 4 above for player; his team

is penalized two times two minutes.

6) 3 blue cards at one time = player is recorded at red card status, is

ejected from the premises for the rest of that game and the team’s

next game, and his team is penalized for five minutes.

Multiple yellow cards:

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

yellow card status.

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

card status and is ejected from the premises for at least the remainder

of the game and the team’s next game. His team is penalized two

minutes.

Yellow, then blue card:

Blue card after serving yellow card = player is recorded at red card status and is ejected from the premises for the remainder of the game and the team’s next game. His team is penalized for two minutes.

Blue, then yellow card:

Yellow card after serving a blue = player is penalized two minutes and is recorded at yellow card status. The next blue or yellow is same as above in Yellow, then blue.

Red card:

If a player, coach, or spectator receives a red card, the player is ejected from the premises for at least the remainder of the game and the team’s next game. His team is penalized for five minutes.

B15-3d 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.

B15-4 Two Minute Penalties

B15-4a Blue Card Offenses

Infractions that usually result in at least a two minute penalty include: sliding, boarding, encroachment, dissent, unsporting behavior, bicycle or scissors kicks, diving headers, misconduct, and illegal substitution. Spitting anywhere but in a garbage can or outside is a two minute penalty.

B15-4b 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.

Once play is stopped, the offense is recorded and the penalty served, unless a goal is scored against the offending team, in which case the penalty is recorded, but not served. 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, or

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

B15-4c Sliding

A slide is any intentional movement of leaving one or both feet while going down to the carpet. A goalkeeper may slide within the arch but may not play the ball outside the arch while on the ground (dangerous play).

B15-4d Encroachment

For all free kick restarts:

1) 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 two minute penalty. The defender may move from side to side to play the ball but not forward.

2) If the player taking the free kick aks 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 two minute penalty. The defender may move from side to side to play the ball but not forward.

3) If the referee asks a defensive player to move 15 feet from the ball, and the player does not immediately comply, a two minute delay of game penalty shall be assessed.

4) 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.

5) When a team is awarded a free kick in its opponent’s penalty arch, the kick takes place at the top of the arch. 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. Stepping into the center circle before the ball is kicked is encroachment. The kickoff is retaken.

B15-4e Dissent/Entering the Referee’s Crease

Dissent is words or actions directed by a player, coach, or spectator at a referee in dissent of any call. Dissent will result in at least a two minute 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.

There is a referee’s crease (half circle) in front of the timekeeper’s bench. During discussions between the referee and the timekeeper, it is illegal to enter the crease; players who step into the area will be given a two minute penalty.

B15-4f Unsporting Behavior

The referee issues a blue card for the following unsportsmanlike offenses:

1) yelling at or waving arms at an opponent,

2) calling for the ball when an opponent has possession,

3) failure to respect the encroachment rule,

4) trickery when passing the ball to his own goalkeeper,

5) inappropriate celebration after a goal is scored,

6) illegal re-entry of a player onto the field,

7) player(s) illegally entering the referee’s crease,

8) delay of game,

9) equipment violation,

10) audible obscene language,

11) delay in entering the bench to serve a penalty or re-entering the

field before the penalty expires.

B15-5 Extreme Misconduct

B15-5a Yellow Card Offenses (Cautions)

Behavior which warrants a minimum of a yellow card includes:

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.

B15-5b Red Card Offenses (Ejections)

Behavior which warrants a mandatory red card includes:

1) intentionally elbowing a player above the shoulder,

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

3) striking or attempting to strike an opponent with the intent to injure,

4) any form of fighting or violent conduct,

5) spitting at an opponent,

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

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

facility staff,

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

timekeeper, or facility staff.

A player, coach, or spectator who is issued a red card is ejected for a minimum of the remainder of that game and that team’s next game, or that player’s next game if it is the last game of the season and the team is not returning. The length of a red card suspension is determined by the manager. See Red Card Suspensions, section A5-1.

The referee or management has the right to eject a player, coach, or spectator before, during, or after the game. That person must leave the premises 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 a red card is given misconduct continues, additional red cards may be awarded.

B15-5c Suspensions for Fighting or Abuse of Officials or Staff

Any player, coach, or spectator given a red card for fighting is guilty of violent conduct and ejected from the premises for not less than one year and up to permanently.

Any player, coach, or spectator who touches, bumps, physically contacts or verbally abuses a game official or facility staff member shall be guilty of violent conduct and ejected from the premises for not less than one year and up to permanently.

B16. SHOOTOUTS AND OVERTIME SHOOTOUTS

B16-1 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 arch 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.

B16-2 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) In Coed leagues, all Coed rules apply, including the three touch rule and two

points awarded for womens’ goals.

e) A player cannot circumvent the rules to gain an advantage. A violation is unsportsmanlike conduct; a warning will be issued, and a two minute 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 two minute

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

h) OFFSIDES AT THE MID-FIELD STRIPE GOES HERE!

B16-3 Sixth Foul Shootout

For a six foul accumulation, no two minute 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.

B16-4 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 remainder 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) In Coed leagues all Coed rules apply, including the three touch rule and

two points awarded for womens’ goals.

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 in the second round until the initial 5 players have taken a shot.

h) During a shootout if a goalkeeper commits a dangerous foul, a yellow card

will be given, and a shootout will be awarded.

i) During a shootout if a goalkeeper commits a second dangerous foul inside

his arch, a second yellow card (which results in a red card) will be given,

and a shootout will be awarded. A new goalkeeper must be chosen for the

remainder of the playoff shootout. The red-carded goalkeeper may not

participate and must leave the premises.

If you have any questions please see the manager!