Teams

A team consists of five (5) players. A team must have a minimum of three (3) players. In Mixed Soccer, a team must field a minimum of 2 females and a maximum of 3 males. If short a female, then the team can only play with 4 players.

Officials

The Centre will provide a referee. The referee's interpretation of the rules will be final and teams have no choice in referees.

General

(a)  All players must be 2 metres either side of the ball when a free kick is taken.

(b)  Free kicks must be taken within five seconds of the referee's whistle, or the free kick is reversed.

(c)  A free kick cannot be taken before the referee's whistle is blown.

(d)  Tackling from behind or by sliding is not allowed.

(e)  Where a foul has occurred the referee may elect not to award a free kick and to allow play to continue under the ADVANTAGE RULE. The referee's decision is final.

(f)   Intentional handball will result in a direct penalty regardless of the whereabouts of the infringement.  Unintentional handball will result in a free kick.

(g)  At the kick-off, the ball must be played backwards. If not, the kick-off will be reversed.

(h)  The ball is considered to be "live" at all times off all nets, although a goal cannot be scored directly from any net (including the roof net).

(i)   The referee can call “Keeper's Ball” if play is congested or deemed to be in a dangerous situation.

(j)   If a player is lying, sitting or deemed to be on the ground, he cannot play at the ball regardless of whether it was unintentional. This also includes where a player has the ball kicked in to him while on the ground.  Such infringement will result in a free kick.

(k)  A goal is scored when the whole ball has passed over the goal line.

Penalty Kicks

(a)  A penalty is awarded for the following offences:

      -     the goalkeeper leaving the area and deemed to be interfering with play

      -     defensive players making contact with the ball inside the goal area

      -     intentional handball in any area of the court

      -     goalkeeper making contact with the ball while standing outside the goal area

      -     goalkeeper holding onto the ball for more than five seconds

      -     an attacking player being intentionally fouled in a clear goal scoring situation.

            the goalkeeper returning the ball to the same player that first back-passed to the goalkeeper. (this rule does not apply to Ladies or Juniors).

            the defender back-passing to the goalkeeper after receiving the ball from the goalkeeper. (this rule does not apply to Ladies Soccer).

(b)        A player is only allowed to take 1 step before taking the penalty kick. If the referee is not satisfied it will then become goalkeeper’s ball. If a goal was scored it is not counted.

(c)        When a player is taking a penalty shot, the goalkeeper must be stationary on the goal line until the ball has been kicked. or the penalty may be retaken.

Players In Goal Keepers Area

Players will not be penalised for accidentally being inside the goalkeeper's area provided they do not come into contact with the ball or directly affect the play.

NOTE:

(i)   If an attacking player interferes with or obstructs the goalkeeper in any way, a free kick will be awarded to the goalkeeper.

(ii)   If a defending player comes into contact with the ball inside the penalty area a penalty kick will be awarded to the opposition team.

(iii)  Any player running through the goalkeeper’s area to intentionally take a short-cut to a ball on the other side of the “D”, will be penalised. If an attacker breaches the rule, it will be ‘goalkeeper’s ball’. If a defender breaches, a penalty spot kick will be awarded to the attacking side.

 Goalkeepers

(a)  The goalkeeper cannot kick a ball that is outside the goal area. A penalty kick applies for such a breach. The goalkeeper can however tap a ball away with their hands outside the goal area as long as the feet are still in the goal area.

(b)  The keeper is allowed to reach out of the "D" circle to gain possession of the ball (either standing, kneeling or lying down) provided no part of the body touches the ground outside of the circle. An infringement will result in a penalty.

(c)  The keeper is not penalised for crossing the circle after making a save provided he does not interfere with play or come into contact with the ball whilst outside the circle.

(d)  Goalkeepers can either throw or kick the ball into play.  Goalkeepers cannot kick the ball if they have controlled the ball with their hands first.

(e)  When a penalty is taken, the keeper must stand on the goal line and may not move before it is taken or it may be retaken.

(f)   The keeper has 5 seconds to get rid of the ball. A penalty will be awarded for such a time wasting breach, except when a substitution is being called.

(g)  Goalkeepers cannot hold on to the net when trying to reach out of the goal area for the ball. A penalty kick will result.

(h)  If a player changes position with the goalkeeper during the game without informing the referee and touches the ball, intentional handball will be called and a penalty will result.

 Substitutions

Junior Soccer:-

 (a)  Substitutions are made at every 4 minute intervals, apart from injury. The referee will call for subs at each interval.

(b)  The maximum number of substitute players in each team is THREE.

General Rule:-

(a)  A substitution can only be made when there is a stoppage in play. There will be no substitutions, apart from injury, in the last 3 minutes of either half. Subs can be made when:-

      (i)          the keeper has possession of the ball,

      (ii)          a free kick is awarded,

      (iii)         a goal is scored,

      (iv)         at half time,

      (v)         or in the event of an injury.

Misconduct/Suspensions

A yellow card is a caution and does not necessarily have to precede a red card. If the referee feels that the incident is severe he can give an immediate red card.  Two yellow card offences in the one game will result in a red card.

A red card means the player is required to leave the court for five minutes. It is then at the discretion of the referee or Duty Manager to decide whether the player in question should be allowed to take his position again.  If a red carded player is not allowed to take his place back in the game by Management, he/she automatically incurs a one week suspension.  This will be strictly enforced. Note:  The red carded player can be replaced by another team-mate after the five minutes, if he/she is not allowed to take further part in the game, but cannot be replaced within the 5 minute period.

If a red carded player is permitted to take his/her place after 5 minutes, any bookable offence thereafter will be a red card offence and will result in the player being suspended for one week.  This will be strictly enforced.  Depending on the severity of the incident(s) a player can be disqualified from the centre altogether.  This is up to the Duty Manager's discretion.

NOTE:

If 3 players get red carded and there are only 2 players left, the game will end and the score at that time will stand, or forfeit points will be awarded to the non-offending team (which ever is the highest score).