INDOOR SOCCER RULES

Men, Women, Co-Rec

General Information

The NIRSA Rules will be used with Tulane University modifications.
Participants are subject to all of the policies and procedures in the Intramural Handbook.
Games will consist of 2 teams, 5 players per team including a goalie.
1. Co-rec teams must have 2 women on the court at all times.
2. Games may start with 4 players.

Equipment/Facility

All games will be played in the downtown gym of the Reily Center. The court measures 74’x85’.
Indoor soccer goals measuring 6.5’x12’ will be used.
A size 5 indoor soccer ball will be used.
All participants should wear proper recreational attire. This includes t-shirts, gym shorts, wind or sweat pants, and athletic closed toe shoes.
Jewelry or sunglasses shall not be worn.
Headwear that contains knots, hard or stiff material, including billed hats is prohibited.
Rubber cleats are prohibited. Only shoes with non-marking soles allowed.
Shin Guards are recommended for play.
Team jersey will be provided. If a team has their own jersey they must all be the same color, and have a minimum of a 5 inch number visible on the back of the jersey.
The goalkeeper must wear a different color shirt than the rest of his/her teammates.
Any hard braces must be covered and padded.
Participants wearing casts are prohibited from intramural play.
The final determination regarding legal equipment will be made by the Intramural Supervisor present at the game.

Time Regulations

Games will consist of 2 20-minute halves and a 3-minute half time.
1. The clock will run continuously with the exception of: injuries, referees’ time, and time-outs.
2. Regular season games can end in a tie and will be recorded as a tie.
3. Playoff games will not end in a tie.
Overtime/Shoot out: for playoff games.
1. Tie games in the playoffs will be determined by a shoot out.
2. The shoot out will consist of three players from each team taking 1 shot, from mid court, 1 on 1 with the goalie.
3. The shooters and goalies will alternate between kicks.
4. The Goalie that starts the shoot out must finish the shoot out, no substitutions.
5. If at the end of the first round the game is still tied, the process will be repeated.
6. Players are eligible for only one set of kicks.
7. Co-Rec Variation: Every other kicker must be taken by a woman. At least 1 women must kick per set of 3 kicks.
8. Only players on the field at the end of the regulation game may participate in the shoot out.
9. The home team will kick first. The home team is whichever team is listed first on the schedule. The referee will choose the goal that will be used.

Scoring

A goal is scored when the whole ball passes completely over the goal line, between the goalpost and under the crossbar, provided no infraction of the rules occurred in the accomplishment of the goal.
A goal is legal if the whole ball passes completely over the goal line, between the goalpost and under the crossbar while in the goalie hand(s).
Goals may not be scored by a player directly from a:
1. Kick off
2. Indirect free kick
3. Kick-in
4. Free kick into a team’s own goal
5. Goal Throw
Co-Rec Variation: A goal scored by a female is worth 2, a goal scored by a male is worth 1.
There is no MERCY rule.

Substitutions

There is no limit to the number of substitutions a team may make.
A substitute that desires to enter the game must report to the mid court touchline to make their intentions known to the supervisor.
All substitutions will be made on the fly at any time. All players being substituted for must be completely off of the floor and in the team box area prior to the sub taking the floor.
If a player enters the field of play without notifying the supervisor or does not wait until the player being substituted for is off the floor, an indirect kick will be taken at the point where the ball lies at the time, and a yellow card will be issued to that player.
During a goalkeeper substitution, the goalkeeper must be off the floor and at the team box area before the substitute goalkeeper can enter. The active goalkeeper must notify the referee that they are being substituted for.
A team that has a player ejected from the game must play a man down for the rest of the game.

Kick Off

The choice of ends or possession will be determined by the home team or highest ranked. The home team is the first team listed on the schedule.
Teams switch ends at the start of the second period.
Each team will be in their own field of play.
All players on the team which is not kicking off shall be at least 3 yards away from the ball until it is kicked
The ball must be stationary when kicked and must travel forward before it is played. If it does not go forward, the kick off is repeated.
A goal may not be scored directly from a kick off.
The player to first kick the ball shall not be allowed to touch the ball a second time until another player has touched it.

Ball In/Out of Play

Ball in play:
1. When it rebounds off a crossbar, post, or cone.
2. If it rebounds off of referee or line judge.
3. When a drop ball hits the ground.
4. When the ball strikes the white padding on the wall.
Ball out of play:
1. When the ball wholly crosses goal line, whether on ground or in the air.
2. When the referee has stopped the game.
3. When the ball strikes the wall above the white padding, restart: kick-in.
4. It is touched or interfered with by a player(s) in the bench area or penalty area, restart: indirect kick.
5. When the ball strikes the wall behind the players’ bench area and penalty area, restart: goal kick or corner kick.
6. Ball goes into the bench or penalty area, restart: kick-in.
7. The ball hits the ceiling, lighting, or basketball goals, restart: indirect kick and mid court.
8. When the ball is stuck behind the goal, restart: goalie throw.

Slide Tackling: Not permitted in the Tulane Intramural League. Penalty: Indirect Free Kick. Player will receive a red card and ejection from the game if contact is made. If no contact is made a yellow card will be issued.

Offside: There are no off-sides in indoor soccer.

Kick-in

There are no throw-ins. Kick-ins only.
Any ball that becomes dead will be put into play by a kick-in.
The ball is placed on the touch line before kicking.
The kicker’s non-kicking foot must remain on or outside the touchline. Penalty: Kick-in awarded to opposing team.
The kick-in must not exceed 4 seconds. Penalty: Kick-in awarded to opposing team.
If the ball fails to enter the field of play, it shall be a re-kick.
On a kick-in, the ball is playable when it has left the foot of the kicker and any part of the ball breaks the plane of the touchline. After the kick-in, the ball may be played by either team. The kicker may not play the ball until it has been touched or played by another player. Penalty: Indirect free kick awarded to the opponents from the spot of the infraction.
The opposing team must be 15 feet away from the point of the kick-in. An opponent shall not interfere nor in any way impede the actions of the kicker while a kick-in is being taken. Penalty: Indirect free kick awarded to the opponents from the spot of the infraction.
Kick-ins shall not be directed toward the goal.

Free Kick

Free kicks are classified as either direct or indirect kicks. All free kicks for Tulane Intramurals will be indirect kicks.
An indirect kick is one in which a goal cannot be scored unless the ball is played by another player other than the kicker before entering the goal. The ball must complete one complete revolution in any direction prior to being kick by another player. Penalty: Re-kick, second offense kick-in opposing team.
Free Kick Execution:
1. Players opposing the kicker shall be at least 15 feet from the ball until it is kicked, unless they are standing on their own goal line between the goal post. If the free kick is awarded to the defending team in its penalty area, players opposing the kicker shall be outside the penalty area in addition to being 15 feet from the ball and must remain there until the ball clears the penalty area. Penalty: An official shall caution a player who fails to move the required distance away from the ball.
2. The ball shall be kicked while it is stationary on the ground at the spot specified by the official. The ball shall be moved at least its full circumference in any direction. If the free kick is awarded to the defending team in its penalty area, the ball is not in play until it is beyond the penalty area and into the field of play. Failure to kick the ball as specified shall result in a re-kick.
3. After the free kick, the ball may be played by any player except the one who executed the free kick. The kicker may not play the ball until it has been touched or played by another player.
Indirect Free Kicks are awarded:
1. If a player intentionally attempts to kick, strike, or jump at an opponent.
2. If a player intentionally trips an opponent.
3. If a goalkeeper intentionally attempts to strike or push an opponent with the ball.
4. If a player, other than the goalkeeper in his or her own penalty area, intentionally handles the ball.
5. If a player intentionally pushes an opponent with the hand(s) or arm(s) extended from the body.
6. If a player intentionally holds an opponent or places a hand(s) on an opponent in an effort to reach the ball.
7. If a player intentionally charges an opponent in a violent or dangerous manner.
8. If a player intentionally charges an opponent who has both feet off the ground in order to play the ball.
9. If a player intentionally charges into the goalkeeper.
10. If a player slide tackles another. Slide tackling is not allowed in Tulane Intramural Soccer.

The following are awarded and taken from the point of infraction:

a. If the ball is played next by the kicker following a kickoff, a free kick, a penalty kick, a goal throw, a corner kick, or by the thrower following a throw-in.

b. If a player fairly charges into an opponent when neither is within playing distance of the ball.

c. If a player, not in possession of the ball obstructs an opponent who is attempting to play the ball.

d. If a player kicks or attempts to kick the ball while it is in the possession of the goalkeeper.

e. For dangerous play.

f. If the goalkeeper takes more than 4 steps before releasing the ball.

g. If the goalkeeper illegally handles the ball while in his/her own penalty area after once relinquishing possession of the ball.

h. If the goalkeeper delays in relinquishing possession of the ball.

i. If the game is stopped for misconduct of a player and no other restart takes precedence.

j. If the goal keeper kicks or throws the ball and the ball does not hit the ground before going past the mid-court line.

k. Third Person Violation: When play is along an end or side wall, there can never be more than one player per team jostling for the ball. As soon as a third player gets involved, from either team, an indirect free kick will be awarded to the non-offending team.

l. When jostling for the ball a player may only put one hand or arm against the wall. A player may not put both hands or arms against the wall to gain advantage, an indirect free kick will be awarded to the non-offending team.

Penalty Kicks

1. A penalty kick shall be awarded when a foul, which ordinarily results in the awarding of an indirect free kick, occurs within the offending team’s penalty area.

2. All penalty shots will be taken from midcourt.

3. All players except the kicker and the opposing goalkeeper shall be within the field of play but outside the penalty area and at least 15 feet from the penalty kick line until the ball is kicked.

4. The opposing goalkeeper shall stand with their feet on the goal line, between the goal post, until the ball is kicked. Lateral movement is allowed, but the goalkeeper is not permitted to come off the line by stepping or lunging forward until the ball is in play.

a. Encroachment by the defending team is ignored if the goal is scored. A re-kick is awarded if the goal is not scored.

b. Infringement by the attacking team results in a re-kick if a goal is scored. An indirect free kick at the spot of the infraction is awarded if the goal is missed.

c. If both teams commit infringements, the ball is re-kicked regardless of the outcome.

5. After the penalty kick, the ball may be played by any player except the one who executed the penalty kick. The kicker may not play the ball until it has been played by another player on either team. PENALTY: Indirect free kick awarded to the opponents from the spot of the foul.

6. If the ball touches the goalkeeper before passing between the goalpost, when a penalty kick is taken at or after the expiration of time, it does not nullify any goal. If necessary, play may be extended so that the penalty kick may be taken. If a penalty kick is taken after the expiration of time, only the kicker may play the ball (once) with the goalkeeper in place.

Corner Kicks

A corner kick shall be awarded to the attacking team when the ball becomes dead behind the goal and in the netting where it is unplayable, having last been touched or played by the defending team.
Players of the defending team shall be at least 15 feet from the ball until it has been kicked.
The ball shall be kicked from the ground within the quarter circle nearest where the ball left the field of play. The ball shall be moved at least its full circumference before it is in play. Failure to kick the ball as specified shall result in a re-kick.
After the corner kick, the ball may be played by any player except the one that executed the corner kick. The kicker may not play the ball until it has been touched or played by another player. PENALTY: Indirect free kick is awarded to the opponent from the spot of the foul.

Goalie Privileges/Restrictions

A goalkeeper may not twice distribute the ball with his/her hands, unless a member of the opposing team has touched it.
A goalkeeper must distribute the ball within five seconds after gaining control of it.
Any throw or kick by the goalie must bounce once before crossing the mid-court line.
A goalkeeper may not set the ball down and then pick it up again using his/her hands.
The goalie must not deliberately delay getting rid of the ball when it is in his/her possession. PENALTY: Indirect Free Kick.
The goalie may not intentionally strike the opponents by throwing the ball at them or pushing them with the ball. PENALTY: If foul occurred in penalty area a Penalty Kick is awarded.
Outside the penalty area the goalie has no more privileges than any other player.
Within his/her own penalty area, the goalie has certain privileges that are not given to any other player. These include:
1. Handling - The goalie may catch, carry, strike, or propel the ball with hands and arms.
2. Immunity - The goalie may not be charged, interfered with, or impeded in any manner by an opponent while in possession of the ball. Possession includes throwing the ball out, and dropping the ball to be kicked. PENALTY: Indirect Free Kick.
It is legal for players to pass the ball back to their goalie. The goalie will retain all rights of a goalie as long as they are in the goalie box.

Goalie Throws

1. A goal throw shall be awarded to the defending team when the ball becomes dead behind the goal and in the netting where it is unplayable, having last been touched or played by the attacking team.

2. Players opposing the thrower shall remain outside the penalty area until the ball has cleared the penalty area.

3. The throw shall clear the penalty area and enter the field of play. If the ball is not thrown beyond the penalty area, the throw shall be repeated.

4. After the goal throw leaves the penalty area, the ball may be played by any player except the one who executes the goal throw. The thrower may not play the ball until it has been touched by another player.

5. No goal may be scored directly off the throw of a goal keeper.

Violations, Fouls and Misconduct

Kicking-Striking-Tripping-Jumping:
1. A player shall not intentionally attempt to kick, strike, or jump at an opponent.
2. A player shall not intentionally trip an opponent. This includes tripping or attempting to trip an opponent by use of the legs, or by stopping in front or behind an opponent in such a manner as to cause a fall or loss of balance.
3. A goalkeeper shall not intentionally strike or attempt to strike an opponent by throwing the ball at an opponent or by pushing an opponent with the ball while holding it. PENALTY: Indirect free kick.
Handling: A player shall be penalized for intentionally handling, carrying, striking, or propelling the ball with a hand or arm. PENALTY: Indirect free kick.
Holding and Pushing:
1. A player shall not hold or push an opponent with the hand(s) or arm(s) extended from the body.
2. A player shall not place a hand(s) on an opponent in an effort to reach the ball. PENALTY: Indirect free kick.
3. Charging: A player shall not intentionally charge an opponent unfairly. An unfair charge is one in which a player does not use shoulder -to-shoulder contact with an opponent and/or does not have arms and elbows close to his/her body, and/or does not have at least one foot on the ground, when the ball is not being played, and the charge is done in a dangerous manner.
4. A fair charge is allowed and is one in which a player makes non-violent shoulder-to-shoulder contact with an opponent, with the arms and elbows close to the body, at least one foot on the ground, and the ball within playing distance.
5. A player having one or both feet on the ground shall not charge into an opponent who has both feet off the ground.
6. A player shall not charge into the goalkeeper in the penalty area unless the goalkeeper is obstructing the player or dribbling the ball with the feet.

i. An official shall disqualify, without caution, any player who flagrantly fouls the goalkeeper in possession of the ball.

ii. Possession or control of the ball includes when the goalkeeper has the ball trapped by either or both hands, when bouncing it to the ground, or when releasing the ball into play.

iii. Outside the penalty area, the goalkeeper has no more privileges than any other player does

A player shall not charge into an opponent when neither player is within playing distance of the ball. PENALTY: Indirect free kick.

Obstruction:
1. Obstruction is the intentional act made by a player not in possession of the ball and not attempting to play the ball. Running between an opponent and the ball, or using the body as an obstacle is obstruction.
2. The goalkeeper in possession of the ball shall not be interfered with or impeded in any manner by an opponent. This includes the act of bouncing the ball, attempting to throw the ball, or tossing the ball in the air to re-catch. PENALTY: Indirect free kick.
3. A player not attempting to play the ball, but remaining between the ball and an opponent, may be legally charged from behind provided the charge is not violent or dangerous and the ball is within playing distance.
Dangerous Play:
1. A player shall not participate in dangerous play, which is an act an official considers likely to cause injury to any player. This includes playing in a manner that could cause injury to self or another player (opponent or teammate). PENALTY: Indirect free kick

Player/Team Conduct

A yellow/red card system will be used to control unsportsmanlike conduct and improper behavior, and persistent infringement of any rules of the game by player, coach and bench personnel.
When cautioning a player, coach, or other bench personnel, the official shall display a yellow card and indicate the person concerned.
The second yellow card displayed on the same person in the same contest for any unsportsmanlike conduct shall be a red card.
When ejecting a player, coach, or other bench personnel, the official shall display a red card and indicate the person concerned. A player, coach, or other bench personnel receiving a red card shall be ejected from the game and will be suspended from the next scheduled game.
A player that is ejected cannot be substituted for; the team must play a player down.
Should the same player receive 2 red cards throughout the soccer intramural season they will be suspended from the soccer league for a year.
Any player ejected from the game must leave the building.
Team captains are responsible for the conduct of their players, sidelines, and spectators.
1. If a player is red carded and refuses to tell his/her name, the captain may be red carded if he/she will not reveal the name and the team may be subject to a forfeit.
2. Team captains who cannot or will not control their sidelines and/or spectators will be issued a caution (yellow card), and ejection (red card) if necessary.
Penalty Box: The presentation of a yellow card by an official will result in that player entering the penalty box for two minutes. Their team will be required to play a man down for the duration of the penalty or until the opposing team scores 2 goals. The penalty time will be kept by the official and will only start when play is resumed after foul or misconduct. This player may not be substituted.
1. Player Advantage: If a team commits a second yellow card offense within the time frame of the first penalty, a substitute will be permitted for this second violation. When the penalty time for the first player elapses, they will return to the substitution zone. The second penalized player will serve out his penalty time as stated.
2. If the penalized team has already received a red card or has no substitutes to replace the player, both players will be required to enter the penalty box and the team will play with 3 players.
Yellow Card
1. Persistently infringes upon any of the rules of the game.
2. Shows dissent by word of mouth or action to decisions given by the referee.
3. Is guilty of any incidental, vulgar, or profane language.
4. Is guilty of unsportsmanlike conduct.
5. Enters or leaves the field of play without the permission of the referee.
6. Other team members, besides the captain, address the officials and question their calls.
7. Intentional direct kicks.
8. Too many players on the field or incorrect amount of women on the field.
Red Card
1. Serves as a second yellow card.
2. Is guilty of violent conduct or serious foul play.
3. Is abusive in language or gesture toward a player or official.
4. Slide tackling.
5. Persists in misconduct after receiving a caution.
6. Destruction or abuse of Reily Center property.
7. Fighting
8. If a player is ejected from the game.
9. If the officials or supervisor deems necessary.