Soccer Rules & Regulations |
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All team coaches / managers are responsible for communicating ALL the rules to their players. If you have questions about the rules, please ask to speak with the facility / league / tournament director Kevin Perrigo.
Ball Size
- U8-U12 - Size #4 Ball
- U13-Adult - Size #5 Ball
Number of Players on Field (Including Keeper)
- U8-U12 8 Players
- U13-U19 7 Players
- Men’s 7 Players
- Women’s 7 Players
- Adult Co-ed 8 Players (at least 3 women on field at all times)
Roster Size
U8-U10 18 Players
U11-COED 18 Players
MEN'S - 16 Players
U8-U10 18 Players
U11-COED 18 Players
MEN'S - 16 Players
Free Kicks
All kicks are direct, except any kick-off or goal kicks. Any infraction in the penalty box, (i.e. obstruction, dangerous play, etc.) results in a direct free kick on top of the circle of the penalty area. A defensive wall can be formed at this time. If the referee determines that the foul was made during a scoring opportunity, then the referee can award a penalty kick from the top of the box. All kicks must be taken within 5 seconds after the referee has signaled the kick to be taken. Defensive wall must be 15 feet (5 yards) from the ball. A player from the team taking the kick can't be in the defensive wall. Players are not allowed in the smaller keeper box at the start of any free from the kicking team but players can travel into the smaller goal box once the kick has been taken.
All kicks are direct, except any kick-off or goal kicks. Any infraction in the penalty box, (i.e. obstruction, dangerous play, etc.) results in a direct free kick on top of the circle of the penalty area. A defensive wall can be formed at this time. If the referee determines that the foul was made during a scoring opportunity, then the referee can award a penalty kick from the top of the box. All kicks must be taken within 5 seconds after the referee has signaled the kick to be taken. Defensive wall must be 15 feet (5 yards) from the ball. A player from the team taking the kick can't be in the defensive wall. Players are not allowed in the smaller keeper box at the start of any free from the kicking team but players can travel into the smaller goal box once the kick has been taken.
Five Second Rule
On every stoppage of play (i.e. free kicks or throw-ins) teams have 5 seconds to put the ball back into play. When the ball is set on free kicks, the referee will begin counting 5 seconds. When the player throwing the ball in picks the ball up and is set, the referee will begin counting 5 seconds. A referee will not begin counting 5 seconds on a free kick if 15 feet is asked for by the person taking the kick to push the defensive wall back. At that time, a referee will count off the 15 feet and the free kick can only be taken after the whistle is blown by the referee. When the whistle is blown, the referee will begin counting 5 seconds for the free kick to be taken.
On every stoppage of play (i.e. free kicks or throw-ins) teams have 5 seconds to put the ball back into play. When the ball is set on free kicks, the referee will begin counting 5 seconds. When the player throwing the ball in picks the ball up and is set, the referee will begin counting 5 seconds. A referee will not begin counting 5 seconds on a free kick if 15 feet is asked for by the person taking the kick to push the defensive wall back. At that time, a referee will count off the 15 feet and the free kick can only be taken after the whistle is blown by the referee. When the whistle is blown, the referee will begin counting 5 seconds for the free kick to be taken.
Red Cards
Fighting, Unsportsmanlike Conduct and Abusive Language toward a referee will not tolerated!! This will result in an automatic red card and the team plays short-handed for three (3) minutes – unreleasable (a goal does not release a player from penalty). In tournament or league play, if a player or coach is ejected from a red card (accumulation of cards or not), that player or coach will be ejected from that game and there will be a suspension of at least 1 game. The severity of the red card will determine the length of the suspension the player or coach will receive. Suspensions will carry over to different leagues. SISC reserves the right to permanently ban any person from the facility for any length of time without refund if a red card is given due to a severe cause.
Fighting, Unsportsmanlike Conduct and Abusive Language toward a referee will not tolerated!! This will result in an automatic red card and the team plays short-handed for three (3) minutes – unreleasable (a goal does not release a player from penalty). In tournament or league play, if a player or coach is ejected from a red card (accumulation of cards or not), that player or coach will be ejected from that game and there will be a suspension of at least 1 game. The severity of the red card will determine the length of the suspension the player or coach will receive. Suspensions will carry over to different leagues. SISC reserves the right to permanently ban any person from the facility for any length of time without refund if a red card is given due to a severe cause.
Restarts
During any restart during a game (throw-ins, free kicks, kick-off, etc.), the team that has the restart may not have any players inside of the small goal box until the ball is released back into play. For example, if there is a free kick, once the ball is kicked, then any member from the kicking team can now travel inside of the smaller goal box but not until the ball is kicked. This is the same thing for a throw-in
During any restart during a game (throw-ins, free kicks, kick-off, etc.), the team that has the restart may not have any players inside of the small goal box until the ball is released back into play. For example, if there is a free kick, once the ball is kicked, then any member from the kicking team can now travel inside of the smaller goal box but not until the ball is kicked. This is the same thing for a throw-in
Players Playing for More Than One Team
- During tournament play, a player can only play with one team per tournament level.
- During league play, a person can only play for one team per division and the person falls within a legal age division (i.e. U16 player can play in a division from U16 to Adult)
Time Penalties
- Blue Card - 2 minutes releasable (if team with advantage scores, penalty is over)
- Yellow Card - 2 minutes unreleasable (a goal does not release a player from penalty)
- Red Card - 3 minutes unreleasable (a goal does not release a player from penalty)
- If a player accumulates 2 Blue Cards, this will equal 1 yellow card. If a player receives 2 yellow cards, this will equal 1 Red Card. If a player receives 3 Blue Cards, it will equal a Red Card. If a player receives a Yellow Card and a Blue Card, it will equal a Red Card. Only Red Cards carry over to next game and will either result in a game suspension or a longer suspension could be issued depending on the severity of the Red Card. Permanent suspension is possible and only SISC management will determine the severity of each Red Card.
- If a goalkeeper is given a time penalty (blue or yellow card), someone else from the team can serve the penalty. If a goalkeeper gets a red card, the penalty will be applied as if he/she is a field player and is dismissed from the game with a possible suspension.
- If a player or a coach receives a card on the bench, it carries over to the field and a player must sit to serve the penalty. For example, if a player or coach on the bench receives a yellow card (see yellow card penalty); a player on the field must come off and serve the timed penalty. All timed penalties carry over into second half or overtime.
Duration of the Games for Tournaments
Each team is guaranteed 3 games of 25 minutes each. Semifinals and finals are 25 minutes in length. Game times can be altered if games fall behind due to such things as injury. However, altering game times will always be last resort.
Each team is guaranteed 3 games of 25 minutes each. Semifinals and finals are 25 minutes in length. Game times can be altered if games fall behind due to such things as injury. However, altering game times will always be last resort.
Duration of Games for Leagues
Each team is guaranteed 8 games with two halves at 25 minutes each half. The top four teams in each division will make the play-offs in which games will be two halves at 20 minutes each half (need to leave room for over-time)
Each team is guaranteed 8 games with two halves at 25 minutes each half. The top four teams in each division will make the play-offs in which games will be two halves at 20 minutes each half (need to leave room for over-time)
Uniforms
ALL teams must have the same color uniforms. ALL teams must carry both home and away jerseys. Pinnies will not be available for usage. A referee can declare a game a forfeit for both teams if both teams have the same color and no alternates. If both teams have alternate uniforms, the AWAY team will always change if necessary.
ALL teams must have the same color uniforms. ALL teams must carry both home and away jerseys. Pinnies will not be available for usage. A referee can declare a game a forfeit for both teams if both teams have the same color and no alternates. If both teams have alternate uniforms, the AWAY team will always change if necessary.
Heading
Ages U10 and lower are not allowed to head the ball.
Ages U11 and up are allowed to head the ball.
Ages U10 and lower are not allowed to head the ball.
Ages U11 and up are allowed to head the ball.
Keepers
- Pass backs are allowed to keepers but keepers CAN’T use their hands on a pass back if the pass back was delivered from a teammates waist or lower. A keeper CAN use their hands if a pass back is a chest pass or a ball is delivered from a teammates head. Keepers can use their hands on any deflections and only the referee can determine if a ball is a true pass back.
- Just like outdoors, keepers are allowed to travel outside of their goalie box to receive a ball and return back into their box with the ball and then pick the ball up. Any ball whether outside or inside of the goalie box can be considered a pass back. If a keeper receives a pass back from outside the box, they are NOT allowed to pick up the ball if they return back to the box with it.
- If the keeper does touch the ball on a pass back, it is a direct free kick from the top of the arc at the top of the box.
- Keepers have 5 seconds to distribute the ball from the time they pick it up.
- Keepers are not allowed to punt. However, they can drop kick a ball.
- To help protect our keepers, any restart (i.e. free kicks, throw-ins); players from the attacking team are not allowed in the smaller box at the beginning of the restart. An attacking player can travel into the smaller box once the ball becomes live and in play (after the kick has been taken or the ball has been thrown in).
Substitutions
- Substitutions are unlimited and may be made on the fly. Players must be completely off the field at their bench site before another player can come onto the field. Teams are not allowed to gain advantage during a substitution (i.e. a player leaving the field on the opposite side of the field to where the bench area is located for another player to come onto the field).
- Keepers are NOT allowed to substitute on a penalty kick unless they are injured
Spitting
Spitting on the fields is not allowed. A blue card will be issued if a player or coach spits. After a blue card, a referee can determine the color of the card to give on the next spitting infraction. If a player or coach needs to spit, please use the garbage pales.
Spitting on the fields is not allowed. A blue card will be issued if a player or coach spits. After a blue card, a referee can determine the color of the card to give on the next spitting infraction. If a player or coach needs to spit, please use the garbage pales.
Slide Tackles
- Any form of sliding is not allowed. Players can’t slide tackle an opposing player. Players can’t slide to score goals. Players can’t slide to save the ball from going into the goal or out of bounds. If the ball is in an area of only one player and a slide occurs, the whistle will still blow for a free direct kick. If a player slides to save a ball from going into the net and that player is not a keeper, a blue card will be given to the sliding player and a penalty kick will be issued.
- Keepers are only allowed to slide inside of their box.
Offsides
There are no offsides at all times.
There are no offsides at all times.
Point System
Win = 3 points
Tie = 1 point
Loss = 0 points
Win = 3 points
Tie = 1 point
Loss = 0 points
Tournament Tie Breakers
1st - Most Points (wins, ties, loses)
2nd - Head To Head
3rd - Goal Differential (+ /- 5 max)
4th - Least Goals Against
5th - Most Goals For
6th - Most Shutouts
7th - Coin Toss or 1 for 1 PK if time permits
**Tie breakers will NOT start over in order after the process of seeding begins.
1st - Most Points (wins, ties, loses)
2nd - Head To Head
3rd - Goal Differential (+ /- 5 max)
4th - Least Goals Against
5th - Most Goals For
6th - Most Shutouts
7th - Coin Toss or 1 for 1 PK if time permits
**Tie breakers will NOT start over in order after the process of seeding begins.
League Tie Breakers
1st - Most Points (wins, ties, loses)
2nd - Goal Differential
3rd - Least Goals Against
4th - Most Goals For
5th - Most Shutouts
6th - Coin Toss
1st - Most Points (wins, ties, loses)
2nd - Goal Differential
3rd - Least Goals Against
4th - Most Goals For
5th - Most Shutouts
6th - Coin Toss
Players Equipment
- Shinguards must be worn by all players on the field with socks worn over the shin guards.
- All team uniforms must be of the same color
- Cleats/turfs/sneakers are allowed, no deep grass longer studs or screw-ins.
Over-Time Games
All over-time games will begin 4 vs. 4 which will include a keeper. After 3 minutes, a player is taken off and teams will play 3 vs. 3 which will include a keeper. Teams will continue 3 vs. 3 until a goal is scored. In the coed divisions, 1 girl must be on the field at all times. Any member on the team can play in goal. All other rules apply for over time. There is no overtime for league games but there is for league playoffs. Tournament play will go directly to 3v3 with no time limit, 1st goal scored wins. Flip of coin will determine who gets ball first.
All over-time games will begin 4 vs. 4 which will include a keeper. After 3 minutes, a player is taken off and teams will play 3 vs. 3 which will include a keeper. Teams will continue 3 vs. 3 until a goal is scored. In the coed divisions, 1 girl must be on the field at all times. Any member on the team can play in goal. All other rules apply for over time. There is no overtime for league games but there is for league playoffs. Tournament play will go directly to 3v3 with no time limit, 1st goal scored wins. Flip of coin will determine who gets ball first.
Netting
- A ball hitting the net above the field of play will be considered a dead ball and the referee will blow the whistle for a restart. The referee will determine if the restart is a free kick or a throw-in.
- If a team hits the net above the field of play inside of their own box, it is a direct free kick from the top of the arc for the opposing team.
Goal kicks
- A team has 5 seconds from the time the ball is placed on the line for the kick to be taken.
- Goal Kicks no longer have to leave the big box to be in play but defensive player can't enter box until team taking the goal kick has kicked the ball.
- A referee can begin counting if it appears that the team taking the kick is stalling.
- If both teams are subbing, a referee can stop his 5 second count to let both teams make their changes as long as stalling is not involved.
- When the ball is kicked, if the ball does not travel outside the box before the opposing team touches the ball, the goal kick will be taken again.
- U10 and younger will take goal kicks from top of big goal box.
Kick-offs
Kick-offs can travel backwards on first touch. A kick-off can only start on a referees whistle. A kick-off is not a direct free kick and a goal can’t be scored on first touch.
Kick-offs can travel backwards on first touch. A kick-off can only start on a referees whistle. A kick-off is not a direct free kick and a goal can’t be scored on first touch.
Illegal Players
In tournament or league play, if the opposing team has a player that your team feels is ineligible to play (i.e. playing on another team in the same division, already red carded, too old for division, etc.), please notify SISC staff BEFORE the game begins. If a team notices an illegal player playing during the game, please notify SISC immediately. No A level players can play in C or D adult leagues.
In tournament or league play, if the opposing team has a player that your team feels is ineligible to play (i.e. playing on another team in the same division, already red carded, too old for division, etc.), please notify SISC staff BEFORE the game begins. If a team notices an illegal player playing during the game, please notify SISC immediately. No A level players can play in C or D adult leagues.
Beginning Games
Teams need to have at least 5 players on the field for a game to begin. The clock will begin as scheduled and after 7 minutes, if a team can’t put at least 5 players on the field, that team must then forfeit. All 5 players can be men in the coed divisions.
Teams need to have at least 5 players on the field for a game to begin. The clock will begin as scheduled and after 7 minutes, if a team can’t put at least 5 players on the field, that team must then forfeit. All 5 players can be men in the coed divisions.
No Spitting
Spitting is not allowed. If a referee warns a player on a team for spitting, the warning then extends to the entire team. However, a referee can issue a Blue Card, Yellow Card, or a Red Card without warning. Spitting will no be tolerated. Please use the garbage cans.
Spitting is not allowed. If a referee warns a player on a team for spitting, the warning then extends to the entire team. However, a referee can issue a Blue Card, Yellow Card, or a Red Card without warning. Spitting will no be tolerated. Please use the garbage cans.
Forfeits
If a team is unable to field 5 players 7 minutes after the scheduled start time, the game will be forfeited; a 3-0 win and three points will be awarded to its opponent unless the offending team provides a reason accepted by the tournament committee. If a team forfeits the last game of a round robin or preliminary series or in the case a team forfeits remainder of games, all games prior and after will be forfeited within their division and the opposing teams will receive 3-0 wins and three points. If a team forfeits a league game, there is a $50 fine to be paid before next game.
If a team is unable to field 5 players 7 minutes after the scheduled start time, the game will be forfeited; a 3-0 win and three points will be awarded to its opponent unless the offending team provides a reason accepted by the tournament committee. If a team forfeits the last game of a round robin or preliminary series or in the case a team forfeits remainder of games, all games prior and after will be forfeited within their division and the opposing teams will receive 3-0 wins and three points. If a team forfeits a league game, there is a $50 fine to be paid before next game.
Time Wasting
If a team is wasting time at the end of a half (first or second half) when a free kick is issued (not moving the wall back, kicking the ball, etc.), the referee has the right to put time back on the clock to allow the free kick to be taken. The referee will determine the amount of time to be added.
If a team is wasting time at the end of a half (first or second half) when a free kick is issued (not moving the wall back, kicking the ball, etc.), the referee has the right to put time back on the clock to allow the free kick to be taken. The referee will determine the amount of time to be added.
Please Note
If there is a rule that is not on this list, a referee can make a decision that is in the best interest of the game. If any team has a question concerning rules and regulations of play, please contact SISC for more information.
If there is a rule that is not on this list, a referee can make a decision that is in the best interest of the game. If any team has a question concerning rules and regulations of play, please contact SISC for more information.
