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Indoor Soccer League Rules

Sports Connection – General League Rules

Team Balances
A minimum of $100 is required with your TEAM registration form and the team’s full balance is due by your first game of the season.  Checks and credit cards are accepted at the field or you can pay your team’s balance online at our MySAM system.

Schedules and Standings
All schedules and standings are on our MySAM system (except Bowling, they are listed on our website, www.SportsConnectionNC.com).  The first week's schedule should be posted on our MySAM system no later than 5 days before the first game.  The remaining schedule for the season will be posted on our MySAM system after the first week of games are completed.

Game Times
All regular season games will start and end on time.  Some leagues will have a 5 minute warm-up/grace period time, but all games will end on time.

Rules
All captains and players are expected to read and understand the League Rules and policies for the league they are participating in.  Any questions or concerns regarding the rules or league policies should be brought to the attention of the league coordinator and/or the Sports Connection office by emailing us at office@SportsConnectionNC.com.  Additional rules and policies may be added or amended by the Sports Connection before or during the season.

Forfeits
If you know in advance your team is going to forfeit a game, we request you call our office in order to help us make arrangements to schedule a game for your opponent.   Excessive forfeits may result in elimination from end of season playoffs or removal from the league.

Playoffs
All eligible teams (teams that have not abused any rules or policies) will advance to either an end of season playoff or consolation game(s).  Playoffs are single elimination.  Only players that have signed a waiver and linked to the team roster by the 5th game will be eligible to play in the playoffs.

Seeding Tie Breakers

If one or more teams are tied in the standings at the end of the regular season, the following “tie breaker” rules will be followed to determine your playoff seeding.

  1. Excessive forfeits, ejections, suspensions, penalty cards, will be looked at first.
  2. The Head to Head match between the teams that are tied will be looked at second.
  3. The Point/Score Differential of all games each team played will be looked at third.
  4. The Total Points/Scores your team earned will be looked at fourth
  5. The Total Points/Scores your team allowed against you will be looked at fifth.
  6. We will flip and coin if all the above are still a tie!

League Prizes
The Sports Connection will award the winning team in each league the choice of: A Championship T-Shirt for each player, 15% off the team fee, choice of two game times, or no referee duties (flag football only) for the NEXT season.

Rosters & Waivers:
The Sports Connection requires a signed Liability Waiver and a valid Player's Card from each Participant before they will be allowed to Participate in any Sports Connection, LLC League or Other Activity.  The Participation Waiver can be filled out and submitted Online, By Mail or at your next League Game.

All player's names must be on the team roster form before they will be allowed to play.  It is the captain’s responsibility to make sure all player's names are on the team roster form before they play.  Players found playing in a game and not on the team’s roster, will cause the team to forfeit that game and all previous games he/she has played in.  If a team needs to "pick up" a player from the same division or a HIGHER division to field enough players to play, the Captain must 1st approve the pick up player with the Coordinator, who will then approve it with the other team's Captain. The league coordinator will be spot-checking the rosters during the season.  New players can be added to the roster at anytime during the season, but only players on the team roster BY the 5th game will be eligible to play in the playoffs.  No "pick up players" will be allowed for any playoff games.  There is no limit to the number of players you can have on your team roster, but there is a limit to the number of league prizes that will be awarded if your team wins the league.

Player Eligibility:
An eligible player is one who is on the team roster and has a signed waiver on file with the Sports Connection, a valid Player's Card and is not on any other roster for another team in the same league and one who follows the rules of the league.  Exception: If a team does not have a full roster for a specific game, guest players are allowed, but are required to pay a $10 guest fee if they do not already have a valid Player’s Card.  Guest players without a valid Player’s card will also need to submit a Sports Connection waiver.  The guest fee is good for 1 day or night only. A Team found to be using guest players without a valid Player's Card will be required to forfeit the game in question.

  Also, any player under the age of 18 MUST have a youth participant form signed by both the minor & guardian, along with a current waiver/liability form. No One under age 16 is allowed to play in ADULT leagues. All players will follow the rules of their league. 

Protest Procedures
A formal protest can be made at any time by letting the referee/umpire and the league coordinator aware of the situation.  After the protest is filed, the game will continue as scheduled.  If the protest is not filed until the conclusion of the game, the final score of that game will be official and will not change.  Player eligibility protests can be filed at any time. The Sports Connection will review the protest and make a ruling before the next week’s game.

Sportsmanship
The primary focus of any of the sports sponsored by Sports Connection is fun. Please keep this in mind even when competition becomes intense. Any unacceptable behavior may result in suspension and/or ejection from a game or the league.  Fighting of any kind will result in immediate ejection from the game and premises and subject to suspension for the entire season and all Sports Connection leagues and events.

Divisional Play

For leagues offering multiple divisions: In the interest of maintaining fair divisions, if a team finishes the regular season first two seasons in a row, or makes the championship game two seasons in a row, Sports Connection reserves the right to move the team up one division for the following season.

Staff
The Sports Connection will provide a league coordinator for all leagues.  The league coordinator is available to help the league run smoothly and to answer any questions you may have.  Please feel free to ask for their assistance or email us at office@SportsConnectionNC.com.

Rain Out Information

For Rainout information go to www.SportsConnectionNC.com or check the voice mail message at 704-749-7530. (Rainout decisions are made 2 hours before the first game.)  The Sports Connection will attempt to make-up the first and second rained out games at the end of the season before the playoffs begin.  If there are more than 2 rainouts during the regular season, we will not be able to make-up these additional games.  No refunds or credits will be given for games that are unable to be played or made-up due to the weather.

 

Indoor Soccer League Rules

 

Equipment & Uniforms

1. All game and training balls are to be provided. No other balls are allowed inside the facility

2. Shin guards are MANDATORY. Socks must also cover these shin guards.

3. Only flat-soled shoes will be allowed. NO CLEATED SHOES!

4. By the second match, all players on a team should have a numbered shirt of the same color, with the goalkeeper wearing a jersey contrasting that of his/her team and the opposing team.

5. Jersey color assignments in the event of a “same color” conflict, home team will wear a “dark” color and the visitors will wear a “light color”. Teams should bring two jerseys to each game to avoid a conflict.

 

Game Duration

1. Adult teams will play two 20-24 minute halves with a two minute half time

2. The referee will start each game time as scheduled. If the players are not ready, the clock will still start as scheduled. Play will begin as soon as the minimum of 4 players are on the field.

3. Time will run continuously, except for serious injuries.

4. Teams will be given five minutes after the scheduled start time of the match to present the minimum of 4 players, required for a match. In Coed leagues, the minimum number of 4 must include 1 female.

5. If a team fails to present the minimum of 4 players after the five minutes have past, they will be issued a forfeit.

6. There will be no overtime periods, or shootouts in the regular season, only during playoffs.

7. Playoffs:

  • If the score is tied at the end of regulation, each team will remove one field player (4v4 + GK), and there will be a sudden death overtime period of three minutes.
  • If still tied, each team will continue to remover one player every three minutes until down to 3 players (2v2 +GK).
  • If still tied, sudden death “PK’s”

 

Referees

1. One or two referees of equal authority shall be responsible for regulating the rules of play.

2. The referee reserves the right to terminate any game for which they see fit

3. The referee’s decisions are final

4. All suggestions and or complaints are to be submitted in written form to league management

5. The referees or an appointed league employee may act as time and/or score keeper when needed.

6. The referee shall address team captains before the start of each match.

7. Referees shall be responsible for accurately recording all players receiving a blue, yellow, or red card.

8. Referees must be in uniform or management approved attire with sneakers. We have 2 yellow and 1 black top and shorts for officials to borrow if needed.

 

Penalties

1. Simultaneous penalties: If members of both teams are simultaneously penalized or sent off, both teams shall play shorthanded until all penalty time has been properly served.

 

2. Multiple players receiving and serving penalties: Upon a goal by the opposing team, the player having served the greatest amount of penalty time will be allowed to resume play.

 

3. TEAM cards

  • BLUE CARD = Every three fouls per team
  • Jumping over the wall to substitute in or out will result in a two minute penalty and a BLUE CARD.
  • Too many players on the field at one time will result in a two minute penalty and a BLUE CARD.

 

4. PLAYER cards

  • BLUE CARD = Three personal fouls
    • A two minute penalty which is over at the end of the two minutes or when the advantaged team scores a goal
  • YELLOW CARD = Four personal fouls
    • A two minute HARD penalty that is over only at the end of the full two minutes.
  • RED CARD = Five personal fouls
    • A five minute HARD penalty that is over only at the end of the full five minutes. A one game suspension.
    • A player receiving more than one red card in a season will be suspended for the remainder of the season, and may be subject to suspension indefinitely.

NOTE: In the event a player penalty time incurs a team its 3rd foul, asses the higher value penalty.

5. Accumulation of three yellow cards within a season will result in a one game suspension

 

6. Penalty time will be enforced even if the time on the clock has expired. The duration of the penalty must be served and if additional time penalties occur during the penalty time, those must be served as well. This only applies if the team that is receiving the penalty is ahead. No game will be extended if the team that is penalized is behind.

 

7. Delayed two minute penalties: In order to preserve the advantage of the fouled team and flow of the game, the referee may delay the issuance of a two minute penalty until such time as he feels the proper advantage time has been allowed, or the offending team regains possession. Goals scored during this period may count and will not delete penalty time. The referee holding the blue card in the air and calling for advantage signifies a delayed two minute penalty.

 

8. Dissent: Only the coach and/or team captain may appropriately ask the officials for clarification when pertaining to discretionary calls. Penalties may be assessed against players and/or teams who show disapproval by word or action, which is deemed to be inappropriate by the referee or other game official, and may be punishable by a blue, yellow or red card at the referee’s discretion.

 

9. Time penalties with ejection: These may be assessed for any penalty that is deemed serious and/or violent in nature. Such instances shall be assessed a red card five minute time penalty and ejection from the game.

 

10. A player shall also be ejected upon receiving a third time penalty in a game. The clock will continue to run and the game may not restart until the ejected player has left the facility. A teammate of the ejected player shall serve the penalty time in its entirety. These rules also apply to an ejected coach or any non-participating individual.

 

11. Failure to leave will result in an emergency call to the police (of any ejected person).

 

12. Delay of Game:

  • The referee shall issue a blue card and two minute unsportsmanlike penalty to any player who intentionally engages in tactics, which significantly delay the restart of play.
  • A team’s failure to reasonably put the ball back in the play within five seconds of signal by referee shall result in a possession turnover in favor of the opponent, and may receive a team or personal card.

 

13. Fouls:

  • All laws of play of traditional soccer will apply in conjunction with our modified indoor soccer rules
  • All protests must be reported to the referee no later than the start of the second half of the game.
  • No slide tackling. Slide tacking will result in an automatic blue, yellow, or red card.
  • All fouls and infractions will result in a free kick, penalty kick, time penalty, card booking, ejection, monetary fine, or any combination of the above as the referee and/or Sports Connection management see fit, regardless of how much time is left on the clock. A player’s time penalty shall begin at the time the ball is back in play from ensuing restart. Any player determined by the referee to delay, (usually 10 seconds), in reporting to the penalty box area may receive additional penalty time.
  • Any non-playing personnel entering the field of play or the player’s boxes without the direct permission of the referee or management will be subject to immediate ejection from the facility.
  • Any non-playing personnel exhibiting unsportsmanlike conduct will be issued a yellow card. If the behavior continues, they may be issued a red card and ejected from the facility. Any further disciplinary action against the individual or the team he/she is related to will be left up to the management.
  • Any player entering the field of play other than for legal substitution will be cited by the referee, and may be subject to ejection from the facility and further punishment from the management.
  • If a player is guilty of violent conduct, inciting violent conduct, or serious foul play, that player will receive a red card ejection and a five minute penalty to be served by a replacement player. As a consequence, the individual will have their player eligibility suspended for one or more games, and may be fined up to $20. This fine must be paid in full prior to the start of the next scheduled match, or face a forfeit.
  • Anyone attempting to abuse an official or an employee could be banned from the facility permanently, and may have legal charges pressed against him/her.
  • Management reserves the right to ban any individual regarded to be detrimental to the game’s safety or enjoyment of all parties involved.

 

14. A disciplinary board consisting of Management Staff, referees, league coaches, and parents may hold hearings relating to any disciplinary action taken, or to be taken.
 

Eligibility, Coaches, and Players

1. All players must fill out a league waiver yearly in order to be eligible to play.

2. Coed teams must have 2 females on the field

3. A team must have a minimum of 4 eligible players or face a forfeit (3 males, 1 female in Coed leagues).

4. Over 30 Division: Only players 30 years and older are allowed to participate

5. Females are allowed to play in “male” divisions, but males are not allowed to play in “female” divisions.

6. Coaches:

  • Each team must have a responsible adult coach/manager who will insure that each player on his or her team conducts him/herself in an appropriate and considerate manner.
  • Insure that each player on his team is accurately and properly documented on the team roster.
  • Insure that only players, coaches, and up to two assistant coaches are the only ones on your bench. No siblings and or non- players allowed.

7. Injured Players:

  • If a referee must stop the game for an injured player, and the player is assisted or the referee feels it is necessary, the injured player must be removed from the field and may not return until the next substitution.
  • Goalkeepers will be allowed one play stoppage assistance before being required to leave the field.
  • Under NO circumstances shall a player continue to play after displaying an open wound or blood.

8. Substitutions:

  • Substitutions may occur at any time. They must be made at the door.
  • The referee has the right to compel a team to substitute a player.

9. Out-of-Bounds:

  • The ball is out of play anytime it comes in contact with the perimeter nets, or ceiling
  • When the ball is out of play over the 4ft boards, it will be awarded to the other team and will be placed 1-2 yards off the wall nearest where the ball went out of play.
  • If the ball was played out of bounds by a defender under pressure. The ball is awarded to the opposing team at the top of the arc from the side it was kicked from.
  • If a ball is played out of bounds by an attacker in their offensive third of the field and it hits out of bounds over the end line netting, It results in either goal kick. Goal kick may be instead played with the keepers hands instead of kicking it.
  • Balls passed or deflected out of bounds at ceiling netting result in a restart at the nearest tri-line. All restarts are direct kicks and must be taken within five seconds of the ball being placed on the proper spot with proper space being yielded.
  • Opposing players must yield 15 feet from the spot of all restarts, or on the defending goal line if it is not possible to give the full five yards. Failure to comply will result in a blue card and two minute penalty.

10. Goal Keeper:

  • No Punting or Drop Kicks
  • Any ball intentionally played back to the goalkeeper by his/her teammates feet may not be picked up by the goalkeeper. The penalty for this infraction will be direct kick from the opposing team at the top of the penalty box.
  • If a goalkeeper receives penalty time, he/she may be replaced by another field player in the penalty box, except for red cards.
  • A goalkeeper may dribble a ball into his/her penalty box area and pick it up with the hands, only if not played back by a teammates feet.
  •  “Goal Kicks” - A keeper may take a ball that goes out of bounds behind the goal and throw it instead of kicking it. The ball may be spotted and kicked but it must be SPOTTED inside Goal Box.
  • If a goalkeeper fails to; put the ball back in play, distribute the ball to another player within five seconds of having received the ball in hand, or having attained possession of the ball with his/her hands distributes and then repossesses the ball prior to the ball being touched by an opponent, or a stoppage in play, a direct free kick shall be awarded to the opposing team at the top of the penalty box.
  • Goalkeeper substitutions must be made on the fly. If there is already a stoppage of play and it is a non-crucial time of the game, the referee may allow some extra time, however the clock will still run.
  • Any teammate may change place with the goalkeeper, provided it is done as a normal substitution procedure and the goalkeepers jersey is different from that of his/her and opponents team jersey.

 

Offense

1. Free Kicks:

  • All kicks are direct free kicks. A team has five seconds to play the ball, unless instructed by the referee.
  • All walls must be no closer than 15 feet from the ball, unless the defending goal line prohibits such distance. In this instance the defenders may stand on the goal line.
  • Break-Away Penalty Kicks: All fouls in a penalty box area, committed by a defender, shall result in a break-away penalty kick to be taken from the closest hash line. The ball is in play as soon as the Referee blows his whistle. All other players must start at the centerline, outside center circle. Overtime Shootouts will be given a time limit of 5 seconds.

2. Scoring:

  • A goal is scored when the whole ball passes completely through the plane of the goal line, having been struck before a game-ending signal, and providing no infraction has been committed by the attacking team. In adult coed games, if a female scores, the scoring team will be awarded two goals.
  • Point System:
    • Penalty points will be recorded in all games, regardless of whether in or out of division/group
    • A forfeit is a 3-0 win for the opposing team.
    • Inclement Weather- If games are cancelled due to inclement weather, and the games cannot be made up, each team will be awarded three points for a tie.

 

The Sports Connection coordinator and umpire have the right to spot check rosters at any time.  Players must have a valid Sports Connection Player's Card and a signed waiver before stepping on the field of play.

 

Additional rules and policies may be added or amended by Sports Connection before or during the season.