Indoor Soccer Rules

Intramural Sports General Information

The Intramural Sports Office is located in the atrium of the Student Recreation Center.
Office Hours: Monday - Friday 10:00 AM - 4:30 PM

Phone Numbers:
205-348-8055
205-348-3906
Rain Hotline: 205-348-2708

Email address:imsports@bama.ua.edu

Rule 1. The Field of Play

Section 1. The Field
See the official diagram for a depiction of the court used. The court is located at the SRC in the old gym on courts 3 and 4. In this rulebook, the terms field and court are used interchangeably.

Indoor Soccer Court

Rule 2. The Ball.

Section 1. Game Ball
Only balls provided by UA Intramural Sports are permitted for use in the gymnasium; standard soccer balls (for outdoor use) are prohibited. Should a ball become defective during play, play is restarted with a dropped ball from the location of the ball when it became defective .

Rule 3. Player Equipment

Section 1. Jerseys
Each team must wear different color jerseys. Every player on a team must have a unique number on his uniform that is clearly visible. In the event of a color conflict, the home team (listed first on the schedule) will be asked to change. Jerseys may be checked out from the court supervisor. Each goalkeeper must wear a jersey that is easily distinguishable from the other players of both teams, the opposing goalkeeper, and the Referees. Pockets on jerseys and shorts are prohibited.

Section 2. Jewelry
Jewelry is strictly prohibited. A player may wear a Medic Alert bracelet provided it is properly taped in accordance with National Federation rules.

Section 3. Protective Gear
Shin guards and other protective gear is encouraged, but not required. Casts or braces may be worn provided they are properly padded and do not present a danger to that player or any other player and are cleared by the athletic trainer on site. A player improperly equipped will be asked to leave the field of play and not allowed to re-enter until the problem is corrected.

Section 4. Shoes
Shoes shall be made of a canvas, leather, or synthetic material which covers the entire foot. The sole of the shoe must be firm and attached to the rest of the shoe. The sole maybe made of leather, rubber, or composition material and may not have rubber, plastic, or metal cleats.

Rule 4. The Game

Section 1. Number of Players
A match is played by two teams, each consisting of not more than five (5) players, one of whom must be a goalkeeper. A team may start with no less than three (3) players. In Co-Rec play, the number of males playing may not exceed the number of females playing by more than one (1). For example, a team may either play with three (3) males and two (2) females or three (3) females + two (2) males. A team may play with a minimum of three (3) players providing there is one (1) female + two (2) males or one (1) male + two (2) females. At no time will there be a 3:1 ratio of male to female players on a team.

Section 2. Captains
One captain for each team may speak with the officials, and only if done so in a polite manner. The captain will represent the team in all dealings with the officials, and is responsible for the behavior of the team bench.

Section 3. Eligible Players
Each team is allowed an unlimited number of substitutes in its bench area, provided they are properly checked in by Intramural Staff. All players must have their names on the team roster for each game. They must show a current University of Alabama ACTion Card before their name will be put on the scorecard (NO EXCEPTIONS). Late arriving players must have their name added to the scorecard upon arrival by an Intramural Sports Staff Member before they may participate.

Section 4. Ineligible Players
A team that uses ineligible players will forfeit the game. That team will then be placed on probation for the remainder of the season. Refer to the Intramural Sports Policy and Procedures for definitions of ineligible players.
Section 5. Field Rules
Only officials, players, and one coach per team are permitted on the court or team bench area. Spectators are not permitted in the team bench area or around the scorer’s table and time-penalty box. Tobacco use in the Student Recreation Center is PROHIBITED. Only water and PowerAde ™ are permitted in the gym, and only in closed containers. Failure to comply with all Intramural Rules and Regulations for the Student Recreation Center by spectators will result in immediate expulsion of the spectators and possible forfeiture of the game.
Section 6. Substitutions
Each team may substitute players freely, during dynamic play, with the following provisions:

Players must substitute off the field of play or within one yard of the door. A substitute becomes a player at the moment he steps onto the field of play.
Substitutions must not interfere with active play
Substitutes must enter and exit the team box using the door. Climbing over the wall is prohibited. No one may enter or exit through or around the goals.
After the ball has been whistled dead, each team has ten (10) seconds to complete a substitution. This is a guaranteed substitution opportunity.
Substitutions may not be made during a penalty kick. Only after the kick has been completed may a substitution be made.
For any violation of this rule a two (2) minute blue card penalty is assessed.

Rule 5. The Duration of the Game

Section 1. Start and Game Time
Any team failing to report and ready to play at game time shall forfeit to their opponents. START TIME IS FORFEIT TIME. It is advised that the team show up 15 minutes to the scheduled start time. Teams must stay outside of the playing area while a previous game is still being played. A supervisor will notify teams as to when they may enter the playing area.

Section 2. Game Time.
The game will be played in two (2) halves of fifteen (15) minutes each. There will be a three (3) minute break between halves (this can be shortened if both teams agree and are ready to play). The clock counts down continuously during play and stops for any stoppage in the last minute of each half. A stoppage is any time the ball is out of play, including when the ball goes over a perimeter wall, crosses the goal line, or is whistled by the referee. This is modified during play-offs. The referee has the authority to stop the clock for any unusual situation at any time including serious injuries or a deflated ball. During playoffs, the clock will run continuously and will be stopped for penalty kicks and for any misconduct (blue, yellow, or red card) in addition to the stoppages for regular season play.

Section 3. Grace Period.
If a team does not have enough players or is otherwise not ready at start time, the “winning team” may exercise one of two options: Take the win and the contest stands as a forfeit. OR Allow the opposing team up to ten (10) minutes to arrive and get ready to play. The game clock will begin counting down at the official start time; if an insufficient amount of players arrive after the ten (10) minute limit, the game shall be forfeited.

Section 4. Mercy Rule
Any team that is winning by eight (8) or more goals with five (5) minutes or less remaining will be declared the winner. Any team winning by twenty-five (25) goals at any point in the contest will be declared the winner.

Rule 6. The Start and Restart of Play

Section 1. Kickoffs
For the first half, the home team will defend the side in front of its designated team bench; the visiting team will defend the side in front of its designated team bench. The teams switch sides and attack different goals in the second half. The visiting team kicks off for the first half, the home team kicks off the second half.
A Kickoff from the Center mark starts play at the beginning of each half, and after every goal. After a team scores a goal, the kick-off is taken by the other team.
Procedure: Each team is in its own half of the field and the defending team is fifteen (15) feet from the ball (outside the Center Circle) until the ball is kicked. After the official sounds the whistle, a player kicks the ball in any direction, including backwards. A goal may be scored from the kick-off. The kicker may not touch the ball a second time until it has touched another player.
Infringements: If the kicker touches the ball a second time before it has touched another player: a free kick is awarded to the opposing team to be taken from the place where the infringement occurred. * (see rule 14) For any other infringement of the kick-off procedure: the kick-off is retaken.

Section 2. Dropped balls
A Dropped ball is a way of restarting the match after a temporary stoppage that becomes necessary, while the ball is in play, for any reason not mentioned elsewhere in the Laws of the Game, or if neither team had clear possession of the ball at a stoppage. The ball is in play when it touches the ground. A Dropped Ball caused while the ball is inside a Penalty Arc is taken at the Free Kick Mark.

Rule 7. The Ball In and Out of Play

Section 1. Ball In/Out of Play.
The ball is out of play when: it has wholly crossed the goal line or perimeter wall, whether on the ground or in the air; when it comes in contact with the netting or part of the superstructure; or when play has been stopped by the referee.
The ball is play at all other times, including when it rebounds off a perimeter wall, the goalposts, the crossbar, or the referee.

Rule 8. Scoring

Section 1. Value of a Goal.
A team scores a goal when the whole of the ball legally passes over the Goal Line. A goal may be scored directly from a Kickoff or any Restart.
In all male or all female divisions, each goal counts for one point.
In Co-Rec divisions, a goal scored by a male counts one point, a goal scored by a female counts two points.
The team scoring the greater number of points during a match is the winner.

Rule 9. Ball Violations

Section 1. Three-Line Violation.
A Three-Line Violation occurs when a player propels the ball in the air across the two Blue Lines and the Halfway Line toward the opponent's Goal without touching the floor, perimeter wall, another player, or a Referee on the field of play. Play is restarted with a Free Kick at the offending team’s Restart Mark.

Section 2. Superstructure Violation.
A Superstructure Violation occurs when the ball contacts any part of the building above the field of play. Play is restarted with a Free Kick at the offending team’s Restart Mark
Intentionally kicking the ball so it strikes the ceiling, superstructure, lights, or scoreboard is a mandatory Red Card. Damage to the lights or superstructure will result in further disciplinary action by IM sports.

Rule 10. Fouls and Misconduct

Section 1. Definition of a Foul
A Foul occurs if a player:
(a) Holds an opponent.
(b) Handles the ball deliberately (except the Goalkeeper within his Penalty Arc).
(c) Plays in a dangerous manner.
(d) Slide tackles an opponent.
(e) Impedes the progress of an opponent ("Obstruction").
(f) Prevents the Goalkeeper from releasing the ball from his hands.

When a player commits the following in a manner that the Referee considers careless, serious, reckless, or with excessive force:
(a) Kicks or attempts to kick an opponent.
(b) Trips or attempts to trip an opponent.
(c) Jumps at an opponent.
(d) Charges an opponent.
(e) Strikes or elbows (or attempts to strike or elbow) an opponent.
(f) Pushes an opponent.

Section 2. Restrictions on the Goalkeeper
A free kick is awarded to the opposing team if a goalkeeper, inside his own penalty arc, commits any of the following four offences:

Takes more than five (5) seconds while controlling the ball with his hands before releasing it from his possession.
Touches the ball again with his hands after it has been released from his possession and has not touched any other player.
Touches the ball with his hands after it has been deliberately kicked to him by a team-mate.

Section 3. Misconduct
A player shall be warned and shown a Blue Card for the following seven offenses:

is guilty of Unsporting Behavior, including, but not limited to Leverage, Deliberate Handball by a goalie (outside his own penalty arc), or any other behavior which, in the Referee's opinion, brings the game into disrepute and does not warrant another category of penalty (UB-B);
shows Dissent by word or action (DT-B);
is guilty of Roughing an opponent (any type of excessive contact including, but not limited to elbowing, kicking, tripping or pushing an opponent in a serious or reckless manner, or attempting to elbow, kick, trip, or push an opponent in a serious manner) (R-B);
delays the restart of play (including deliberately kicking the ball over a perimeter wall to stop play) (DR-B)
fails to respect the required distance when play is restarted with a corner kick or free kick (FRD-B);
commits a substitution violation; enters or re-enters the field of play, except as provided in the substitution rules (Rule 3.6) (E-B);
persistently infringes the Laws of the Game (PI-B).

A team-member shall be cautioned and shown a Yellow Card for any of the following six offences:

is guilty of Unsporting Behavior committed by a substitute or any non-player (UB-Y);
is guilty of Boarding an opponent (B-Y);
is guilty of Roughing an opponent in a reckless or excessive manner (R-Y)
is guilty of slide-tackling an opponent (ST-Y);
is guilty of Taunting or attempting to provoke an altercation (TU-Y);
commits a second Blue Card Offense in the same match (“soft-yellow”) (2-TP)

A player shall be sent-off and shown a Red Card for any of the following seven offences:

is guilty of serious foul play (including Roughing or Boarding an opponent with excessive force, or vicious slide-tackling)(SFP);
is guilty of violent conduct (VC);
denies the opposing team a goal or an obvious goalscoringopportunity by deliberately handling the ball (this does not apply to a goalkeeper within his own penalty arc) (DGH);
denies an obvious goalscoring opportunity to an opponent moving towards the player’s goal by an offence punishable by a free kick (Rule12.1 a-f) or a penalty kick (not for restrictions on the Goalkeeper) (DGF);
uses offensive or insulting or abusive language and/or gestures (AL);
intentionally kicks the ball so it strikes the superstructure (SU);
receives a third Blue Card in the same match, or receives a second Yellow Card in the same match, or receives a Blue Card and a Yellow Card in the same match (“soft red”) (3-TP).

Any team that accrues three (3) or more red cards shall forfeit that game.

Rule 11. Time Penalties for Misconduct
Section 1. Cards and the Penalty
The following penalties apply to offenses for which a Card is issued (subject to further action by Intramural Sports):

(a) Blue Card: Sit out 2-minutes in the Penalty Area next to the scorer’s table.

(b) Yellow Card: 4-minutes (2 + 2) for a “straight Yellow”, or 2-minutes for a second carded offense;

(c) Red Card: 5-minutes for “straight Red,” 2-minutes for accumulation of blue cards, or 4 minutes for accumulation of Yellow Cards, plus ejection.

The player receiving the Red Card must leave the field and may not participate in the remainder of the game. His team must play short for the proscribed time.

A player who receives a Red Card may not participate in any Intramural activities until he has met with the Director of Intramural Sports.
Section 2. Short-Handed Play
For each Time Penalty being served by a player, his team plays with one fewer field player until its expiration; provided that a team may not have fewer than the minimum required, regardless of the number serving Time Penalties. Should a player receive a Time Penalty, while two or more teammates are already in the Penalty Area, his team continues to play with the minimum while he joins his teammates in the Area.
A team must have at least three players to continue a game; if a team is unable to field three players due to players serving (or waiting to serve) time penalties, that team shall forfeit the game.
Any time penalties assessed against the goalkeeper (other than would warrant ejection) may be served by another member of his team; the captain of his team must designate which player will serve the penalty. All time penalties so served shall be charged against the goalkeeper.

Section 3. Time Ending Situations
All penalties begin counting at the moment the ball is next put into play, and continue through the duration of the time penalty with the following exceptions:

Powerplay Goal: If a team is scored upon having fewer players on the field of play, due to one or more players serving Time Penalties, a player from the team is released from the Penalty Area into the field of play, unless otherwise prohibited. If the team has two players in the Penalty Area, only the player whose Time Penalty or Penalties are recorded earlier is affected.
Advantage/Delayed Time Penalty: If a goal is scored during the Delayed Card Advantage the offending player's penalty shall be recorded for accumulation purposes, but he shall serve no time. A previously penalized player shall be released from the penalty box in the event of a Power Play goal.
Multiple Penalties: If two teammates are serving Time Penalties when another teammate is penalized, he must leave the field of play, but may be replaced. His Time Penalty does not begin to count down until at least one of the teammates' Time Penalties has expired and his Time Penalty is next to begin.
Simultaneous Ejections: When two simultaneous Red Cards carrying the same Time Penalties are assessed to opposing players, their Time Penalties are not served.
Maximum Time Penalty: No player may receive more than 5 minutes for penalties arising at the same time on the Game Clock, irrespective of the number or nature of accumulated offenses or the fact that one or more teammates may be designated to serve such time.
End of Period: If time expires in a period while a player is serving time, the remaining time shall carry over and be served at the start of the next period. All Time Penalties expire at the end of the game.

Rule 12. The Free Kick

Section 1. Definition
A team receives a free kick for a foul or when play is stopped to handle misconduct, except when a dropped ball or other restart is required. Before the team takes the free kick, the ball must be stationary. All opposing players are at least 15 feet from the spot of the free kick (or, if within 15 feet of the opponent's Goal, along the Goal Line).
The spot of the free kick or dropped ball is the spot of the foul or the location of the ball, with the following exceptions:

(a) Within Own Penalty arc: from any spot therein.

(b) Within Opponent's Penalty Arc: at the Free Kick Mark ("Top of the Arc").

(c) Delayed Penalty (Advantage): (i) according to the ensuing stoppage, as normally administered, or (ii) in case the anticipated advantage does not occur, at the spot of the original offense.

(d) Kick-In: from the point on the Touch Line (1 yard from the perimeter wall) nearest where the ball crossed over the perimeter wall.

(e) Three-Line Violation: from the offending team's Restart Mark.

(f) Superstructure Violation: from the offending team’s Restart Mark.
ALL FREE KICKS ARE DIRECT. If a free kick is kicked directly into an opponent’s goal, a goal is awarded. If a free kick is kicked directly into one’s own goal, a corner kick is awarded to the other team. The kicker may not touch the ball a second time until it has touched another player.
Section 2. Infringements
If a kicker plays the ball a second time before it has touched another player, a free kick is awarded to the opposing team where the infringement occurred. For all other violations of this rule, the kick is retaken.

Rule 13. The Penalty Kick

Section 1. Definition
A penalty kick is awarded against a team that commits one of the twelve offences listed in Rule 12.1 for which a free kick is awarded, inside its own penalty area and while the ball is in play. A goal may be scored directly from a penalty kick. Additional time is allowed for a penalty kick to be taken at the end of each half or at the end of periods of extra time.
Section 2. Position of the Ball and the Players

The ball is placed on the Restart mark.
The player taking the penalty kick is properly identified.
The defending goalkeeper: remains on his goal line, facing the kicker, between the goalposts until the ball has been kicked.
All players stand behind the Halfway Line and outside the Center Circle.
The referee does not signal for a penalty kick to be taken until the players have taken up position in accordance with the Rule; the Referee decides when a penalty kick has been completed.

Section 3. Procedure
The player taking the penalty kicks the ball forward. He does not play the ball a second time until it has touched another player. The ball is in play when it is kicked and moves forward. When a penalty kick is taken during the normal course of play, or time has been extended at half-time or full time to allow a penalty kick to be taken or retaken, a goal is awarded if, before passing between the goalposts and under the crossbar: the ball touches either or both of the goalposts and/or the crossbar, and/or the goalkeeper.
Section 4. Infringements
If the referee gives the signal for a penalty kick to be taken and, before the ball is in play, one of the following situations occurs:

The player taking the penalty kick infringes the Rules of the Game: The referee allows the kick to proceed. If the ball enters the goal, the kick is retaken. If the ball does not enter the goal, the kick is not retaken.
The goalkeeper infringes the Laws of the Game: The referee allows the kick to proceed. If the ball enters the goal, a goal is awarded. If the ball does not enter the goal, the kick is retaken.
A team-mate of the player taking the kick enters the near half of the field: The referee allows the kick to proceed. If the ball enters the goal, the kick is retaken. If the ball does not enter the goal, the kick is not retaken. If the ball rebounds from the goalkeeper, the crossbar or the goalpost and is touched by this player, the referee stops play and restarts the match with a free kick to the defending team.
A team-mate of the goalkeeper enters the near half of the field: The referee allows the kick to proceed. If the ball enters the goal, a goal is awarded. If the ball does not enter the goal, the kick is retaken.
A player of both the defending team and the attacking team infringe the Rules of the Game: the kick is retaken.
If, after the penalty kick has been taken: The kicker touches the ball a second time (except with his hands) before it has touched another player: a free kick is awarded to the opposing team, the kick to be taken from the place where the infringement occurred. * (see Rule 14)
The ball is touched by an outside agent as it moves forward: the kick is retaken.
The ball rebounds into the field of play from the goalkeeper, the crossbar or the goalposts, and is then touched by an outside agent: the referee stops play; play is restarted with a dropped ball at the place where it touched the outside agent.

Rule 14. Restart Ball Over Perimeter Wall

Section 1. Kick In
When the ball is played over the perimeter wall along the touchline, it shall be kicked in from the point it crossed the perimeter wall by an opponent of the team who last touched the ball before it went out of play. If the ball touches a player or personnel on the bench, who is inadvertently extending into the playing field, or if the ball exits the field through an open bench door, the Kick-In shall be awarded to the opposing team. The Referee shall signal the commencement of the Kick-In. All opposing players must be at least fifteen (15) feet from the ball until it is kicked. The player who takes the kick may not play the ball again until it has been touched by another player. A Goal may be scored directly from a Kick-In.

Section 2. Corner Kick
When the whole of the ball having last been played by one of the defending team passes over the end perimeter wall between the corner flag posts, excluding when a legal goal is scored, a member of the attacking team shall take a corner kick. A goal may be scored directly from such a kick. The whole of the ball shall be placed on the corner mark at the nearest corner flag post, and it shall be kicked from that position. All opposing players must be at least fifteen (15) feet from the ball until it is kicked. The player who takes the kick may not play the ball again until it has been touched by another player. A Goal may be scored directly from a Corner Kick.

Section 3. Goalkeeper Distribution
Play restarts with a goalkeeper distribution by hand after an attacking player has last touched the ball before crossing the perimeter wall between the corner flags. The distribution shall be taken from any point within the penalty area by the goalkeeper. The ball is considered in play once it travels outside the penalty area. The following provisions also apply:
Procedure: The Goalkeeper should throw or distribute (NOT kick) the ball. The Referee hands the ball to the goalkeeper and whistles to alert everyone to the restart. Goalkeeper must have foot on goal line before ref will toss the ball to initiate. The ball is in play when it leaves the penalty area.
Player Positions: Opposing players remain outside the penalty area until the ball leaves the penalty area.
Goalkeeper Infraction: A goalkeeper taking a distribution may not play the ball again after it has left the penalty area until it is touched by another player. Otherwise, the opposing team shall be awarded a free kick where the violation occurred.
The Ball must not travel beyond the Center Line without touching the floor, another player, the perimeter wall, or a referee. Otherwise, a free kick is given to the opposing team from where the ball crossed the center line.

Rule 15. Sportsmanship

Section 1. Summary
Sportsmanship is an important part of intramural sports. Any player who uses foul language, violently protests a call, or curses an official or supervisor, will be removed from the game and will automatically be suspended from his/her team's next game. In addition, he/she will have to meet with the Coordinator of Intramural Sports during office hours (Monday through Friday, 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.) before he/she is eligible to participate again. Any player who touches an official or supervisor will be placed on suspension from all Intramural activities for a minimum period of one calendar year from the time of the incident.