Indoor Soccer Rules & Regulations
The rules and regulations at the Pitch have been devised with simplicity, continuity, and enjoyment in mind. Apart from some necessary modifications, they are the same as FIFA rules used worldwide in outdoor soccer. The following exceptions apply:
REGULATIONS:
1. All players must sign the Pitch Waiver Form or the Pitch Team Roster Form.
22. Participation in the Pitch indoor league is entirely at the player’s risk, and we accept no responsibility for any direct or consequential loss, damage, or injury.
33. Teams will consist of seven (7) field players plus one (1) goalkeeper – 8 vs 8 (Men's Open).
Teams will consist of four (4) field players plus one (1) goalkeeper – 5 vs 5 (Men's Over 30).
44. The minimum number of players to start a game is six (6) for Men's Open and four (4)for Men's Over 30. A team with insufficient players after five (5) minutes from the scheduled game time will forfeit the game. The referee, at his discretion, may allow additional time for players to arrive.
· -A team with insufficient players may pick up players registered with the Pitch, only if agreeable with the opposing team.
· -Any team fielding non-registered players without prior permission from the Pitch league director will be subject to forfeit.
55. Game times will be two (2) twenty-five minute halves. A two (2) minute break will be allowed at half time.
66. All players must wear regular soccer cleats, turf shoes, indoor shoes or sneakers. No cleats with six studs will be allowed.
77. Shin guards are MANDATORY for all ages and skill levels at League games, Pick up soccer and practices (That includes adults).
88. In case of conflict of uniform color, the HOME team will be responsible for changing and/or wear pinnies.
99. The Pitch will provide a game ball.
110. Only team players and up to three (3) coaches are allowed on the player’s side during the games.
111. No spitting or chewing gum on the field of play.
112. Only water allowed on the field of play.
RULES:
11. Yellow Card/Five (5) minute penalty: A player is cautioned and shown a yellow card and has to leave the field of play for five (5) minutes. The team will play down a player for the entire five (5) minutes. (This also includes players who may be cautioned while being a substitute) The following offences could incur a yellow card:
· -Unsporting behavior: Multiple slide tackles/slides, rough play, taunting (by word or action).
· -Dissent by word or action.
· -Persistent Infringements.
· -Delaying the restart of play / Failing to respect the required distance when restarting.
* Depending on the nature of the foul and the game, the referee can give a player a two (2) minute warning/break allowing the team to substitute.
22. Red Card/Twenty-five (25) minute penalty: A player or substitute who is sent off will leave the field of play and his/her team will play down a man for twenty-five (25) minutes, if s/he commits any of the following offences:
· -Serious foul play: Violent tackling, tackles from behind with no intention to play the ball, elbows.
· -Violent conduct: Fighting, provoking a fight, striking or hitting an opponent with or without an object, spitting at an opponent.
· -Denying the opposing team a goal or clear goal scoring opportunity by deliberately handling the ball.
· -Denying the opposing team a goal or clear goal scoring opportunity by committing an offence that would warrant a free kick or penalty kick.
· -Receiving two (2) yellow cards.
* Red-carded players will not be allowed to play that night in any other league and players will be suspended for the next game. A player receiving two red cards will be suspended for the entire session with the possible expulsion from the facility. This decision is under the jurisdiction of the management of the Pitch.
33. The home team will kick off the game.
44. On kick-off, the ball may be played forward or backward.
55. If the ball gets over the side line the referee will award a throw-inn.
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66. If the ball gets over the goal line the referee will award a corner kick or a goal kick. (Defensive player kicks the ball over the end line – results in a corner kick) (Offensive player kicks the ball over the end line – results in a goal kick).
77. Hitting the Ceiling/Top netting: When a player kicks the ball to the ceiling/top netting it will automatically results in an in-direct free kick for the other team at the approximate spot where the ball hits the ground. If the same player violates this rule twice the player has to be subbed out for 5 minutes.
88. A goalkeeper may not punt or drop-kick the ball into play. A goalkeeper may only retain possession of the ball with for a period of five (5) seconds. Violation will result in a direct free kick on the middle line, dot.
99. All kicks are direct except the kick-off. Penalty kicks resulting from a foul inside the goalkeeper’s box will be a penalty kick on the designated spot. Goalkeepers have 5 seconds to get the ball back into play, a goal kick can be played from the keeper’s box.
110. When a free kick or a kick-off is being taken, the defending team must be at least 10 (10) yards from the ball. More than one warning will result in a two-minute penalty.
111. The offside rule is NOT in effect.
112. No slide tackling or slides are allowed. One knee down on the ground is consider a slide/playing on the ground and will result in a free kick awarded to the opposing team. Infringements will result in a direct free kick, a two (2) minute warning and then a yellow card incurring two (2) minute penalty.
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113. Slide tackling is legal by the goalkeeper only and must be initiated from within the penalty area. Outside the penalty box, the goalkeeper may not slide tackle or use his or her body illegally. Violations will result in a direct free kick for the opposing team from the point of the foul.
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114. Free substitution is allowed on the fly as the game is in progress. The player must be off the field before the substitute comes in. Infringements will result in a direct free kick in the middle of the field.
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115. There CANNOT be any additions to the roster midway the season and the rosters will be frozen at the start of the fourth season game. NO EXCEPTIONS.
-Team standings will be based on the following point system:
WIN: 3 points
TIE: 1 point
LOSS: 0 point
-Ties in standing will be broken by:
1. Head to head results
2. Goal differential
3. Most goals scored
4. Least goals scored against
5. Most wins
· -Playoff ties are determined by penalty kicks. The winner will be decided over the best of 3 penalties.
· -Whichever player finishes the game in goal will remain as the goalkeeper for the penalty shootout.
16. Forfeit games will be treated as a 4-0 win.
17. Protests will not be allowed on a referee’s decision. NOTE: The referees at the Pitch will do the very best they can. Due to the nature of the game, speed of the game, angles, etc., they will miss some calls. It’s inevitable. They do not need any verbal or physical abuse from the players, coaches, or fans. Please do not complain to the desk staff about the referee’s decision. Constructive comments will be handled by the League Director weekdays at 207-273-0042.
18. The referee's will only stop the clock if s/he needs to have dialogue with a player on or off the field to obtain control of the game or in the 2nd half when the game is within 2 goals and the clock has less than a minute to run. The referee will not stop the clock for any injuries.
19. Coed teams must field two (2) female players OR one female player and one over 50 player on the field at all times. Infringement will mean that the team will play a player down per missing female, for the length of the game. Over 30’s teams are only allowed one player under the age bracket and he must be within 5 years i.e. 25+ for 30’s and has to be approved by the league director.