SSC Indoor Soccer League Rules

Updated – August 2007

SSC LEAGUE RULES

GENERAL PLAYING GUIDELINES

LAYOUT OF THE GAME

Before the Game:  Teams meet and all players shake hands before the game

At the Half:  Team captains meet with one another to discuss the game.  Any issues should be brought up respectfully

End of the Game:  All players shake hands and team captains meet up to discuss any issues with the game

• Team jerseys:  The SSC does not provide 'pinnies'.  All players must bring both white and dark shirts to each game.  The captains can decide prior to the game which team will wear which color.  Teams may also pick their own color to wear in the games. Players who do not have shirts to match the rest majority of the team may be asked not to play by the GC or the opposing captain.
  
  
• Heading of ball is allowed. 
  
  
• Ball in the Corner: If two players are running towards the corner, the lead player will be given the opportunity to retrieve the ball, the second player MUST stop short by 5 feet and give the opponent 3 seconds to move the ball.  After 3 seconds, the second player may pursue the ball.
  
  

• No players from either team are allowed to stand inside their own or their opponents' goal crease.   Players can run through the crease as long as the goalie is not interfered with.  See Fouls for more details.
  
  
• Substituting a goaltender can only occur during a stoppage in play. Substitutions on all other players can happen at any time as long as the leaving player is on the sidelines before the replacements steps on the field of play.
  
  
• The nets shall be placed flush against the wall at all facilities.

Prior to the start of each game the GC and/or both captains will decide on two 'rules':

• The Goal Crease:  In most gyms this should be defined but please confirm so that all players are aware of what the crease is.

• The line on the wall that defines 'in' and 'out' of bounds.  Again most gyms will have a defined line that can be used but again confirmation prior to the start of the game is recommended.
  
  

START OF PLAY

• The 'home' team shall kick off, captains can flip a coin or do 'rock, paper, scissors' to determine who is the home team.  The winner can decide if they want to kick-off and the loser can pick which end they would like to start at.
  
  
• Teams will change ends after each period and alternate kick offs.
  
  
• A kick off will start the game and restart the game after a goal is scored.
  
  
• Kick offs DO NOT have to travel forwards, but may not be touched by the kicker again until the ball has been contacted by another player.
  
  
• A goal cannot be scored directly from a kick off and during any kick off the opposing team must stay 15 feet away from the ball until it has been put into play.
  
  

PLAY OF BALL

The ball is out of play when the ball crosses the 'out of bounds' line on the wall or makes contact with the roof or other obstructions.  An indirect free kick shall be awarded to the opposing team from the touchline at a point closest to where the ball left play.

FOULS RESTRICTIONS AND DELAY OF GAME

If a player breaks a rule, the opposing team is awarded an indirect free kick from the location of the foul.  All free kicks are indirect. You cannot score directly from an indirect kick.

All players MUST call their own fouls.  Do not wait for the GC or your opponent to make a call.  It is up to each player to address they have fouled.  If this is not happening, you can expect the GC to step-in and call these missed fouls and/or a poor sportsmanship rating from both the GC and your opponent.

If a player (not the goalie) touches the ball with their hands inside their own crease, the opposing team will get a penalty kick (from the penalty spot) - this is a direct kick.  If a defensive player, other than the goalie, contacts the ball in his or her own crease, the opposing team is awarded a corner kick - this is an indirect kick.  If an offensive player touches the ball in the crease the goalie gains possession. 

Fouls:

• Players may not jump to play a ball with their feet. 
• Any player who kicks or attempts to kick a ball that is above their own waist while standing on the floor will have a foul called on them.  Two high kicking fouls in one game will result in the expulsion of the offending player from the game. 
• Kicking or attempting to kick an opponent
• Tripping or attempting to trip an opponent
• Jumping at an opponent
• Charging an opponent in a violent, reckless or dangerous manner
• Striking or attempting to strike or spitting at or on an opponent
• Holding or pushing an opponent

• Handballs: A handball occurs when the balls touches any part of your arm from top of shoulders to fingertips (except a goalkeeper within their own crease). ALL handballs will be blown down as a foul and the opposing team gets an indirect free-kick. The ‘Advantage’ rule is no longer applicable.

• Obstructing an opponent
• Slide tackling

• Using your body to advance:  Players may use their body to control a ball.  An example would be using your chest to control the ball and pass it to your feet or teammate. 
• Players may not use their body to move past players or move forward on a play.  An example would be a player using their shoulder or hands to push players aside in attempt to move forward or ahead of them.
• Also, players may not use their “rear” or “bum” to protect a ball or move forward on a play. 
  
  

Goalkeeper Restrictions:

• Players may pass a ball to their goalkeeper.
• Goalies are ALLOWED to come out of their crease to play the ball.  The goalie CANNOT play the ball with their hands outside of the crease and they are not allowed to take the ball back to their crease area and then pick it up with their hands.  Goalies MAY NOT go over the half court line.
• Once a goalkeeper has gained control of the ball at any time, he/she must release the ball into play within 5 seconds.
• Releasing the ball in to play means: The goalie must either dribble the ball out of their crease, where they can be challenged for possession, or they must attempt to pass the ball to another player on the court.
• If any of the above restrictions are broken a corner kick will be awarded to the opposing team.
  
  

Delay of Game:  There are rules in place to keep the play moving.

• Players are ALLOWED to brace themselves on the walls with their hands to play the ball with their feet.  Defenders may attempt to take the ball (from the behind attacking position) but MUST NOT physically make contact.  Any contact by the defender will result in a foul.  The offensive player CANNOT use this position as a delay tactic. The GC can turn the ball over if the offensive player does not attempt to move the ball.
• On all restarts of play, the ball must be put into action within 5 seconds. Failure to do so will result in a free kick for the opposing team at the point of the original kick.
  
  

FREE KICKS

The following applies to all restarts:

• Ball is in play when the player kicks the ball.
• The player taking the free kick may not touch it again until it has been touched by another player.
• Opposing player must be 10 feet from all free kicks. 
• If there is not 10 feet between the kicking team and the defending teams crease then the defending team may place players on the edge of their crease.
  
  

PENALTY KICKS

A penalty kick is awarded when a defensive player contacts the ball with their hands in their own crease.  The spot from where the penalty kick should occur should be decided between the GC and the captains. 

ROLE OF PLAYERS

All players participating in SSC co-ed leagues are expected to play with respect for everyone at the gym and with a “fun first” attitude. In soccer, there is an emphasis on the players knowing the rules and managing their own actions on the floor.

Respect your opponents and the GC:

• Remember that everyone is here to have fun.
• Call your own infractions!   Don’t try to get away with thinking no one else saw it.  Not calling yourself is the ultimate in poor sportsmanship.
• Promote fun and safety throughout the game: let the GC know if you are enjoying an opponent, congratulate your opponent on fun and fair play throughout the night!
• Conduct yourself with maturity if approached regarding your style of play and make any requested changes.
• If you are concerned about a player on the opposing team it is YOUR SOLE RESPONSIBILITY to talk to your team captain so he/she can address the issue.

SSC LEAGUE RULES

Multiple Offense Rule:  The GC may eliminate any player from a game, match or competition that they feel is continually abusing the rules and the spirit of the game.  An example is a soccer player who plays recklessly throughout the game.

The SSC does not track individual fouls in basketball, soccer and dodgeball and this rule will be used to curb the aggressive nature of some participants who abuse this fact.  This rule will be enforced strictly at the discretion of the GC.  The GC has the following choices when enforcing this rule:

• Warning – GC can determine how long they would like a player to sit out.
• Penalty – The GC can give the player a one game penalty.
• Ejection – The GC may choose to eject a player from a game or match.  Once a player has been ejected they must leave the gymnasium immediately.

As these penalties can be a result of minor incidents, further action will not necessarily be taken by the SSC.  The SSC does reserve the right to review each situation on a case-by-case basis and if further action is warranted, it will be taken.

SPORTSMANSHIP

ZERO TOLERANCE POLICY

Games Coordinators are required by the SSC to ask players to leave the gym if they are involved with any of the following acts: • Challenging the GC by Questioning Calls or their ability to call a good game. • Swearing directly at another player or the GC • Intentionally pushing, shoving or making physical contact with another player or the GC • Making comments to instigate an altercation with another player or the GC In addition to being dismissed from the game, a one week suspension (or more) may be assigned by the SSC to the involved player or team.

• GC's monitor the games with the objective of making them safe and fun. They are not trained referees - they are sports enthusiasts who are familiar with the SSC Soccer Rulebook.
• ALL PLAYERS ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR THEIR OWN ACTIONS BY PLAYING WITH FAIRNESS AND CALLING THEMSELVES ON THEIR OWN FOULS.   PLAYERS MUST TREAT EACH OTHER AND THE GC WITH RESPECT.
• The GCs will step-in when they feel players are not following these guidelines.  The GC's are instructed not to try to justify their decisions to any player and players are asked NOT to question the GCs judgment.

• If a player is ejected from a game due to unsportsmanlike play, they must leave the gym immediately. If they are suspended by the SSC for additional games, they may not watch the game from inside the gym.
• If you see any unsporting behavior from a teammate:
• Remove your teammate for 5 minutes
• If behavior hasn’t improved after the 5 minutes, remove from game

• GC is obligated to step in and handle the situation accordingly
• Lastly, we ask that you refer to the GC by their first name - do not call them "ref".

SPORTSMANSHIP RATINGS AND STANDINGS

Rating Sportsmanship:  Each team will be given 3 sportsmanship ratings per game, one rating from the opponent and two ratings from the GC. The best rating you can receive per game is +3, the worst is –3.  The rating judges Spirit of the Game as well as Accountability for calling your own Infractions and Penalties. The GC will rate each of these areas as separate scores while the opponent will rate them together. 

“Accountability” Rating:
This part of the rating is based solely on how you felt your opponent took responsibility for calling their own fouls.  A team that does well on Accountability either: committed few or no fouls so it was not an issue, or committed several fouls and made a genuine attempt to call most of them.

“Spirit of the Game” Rating:
This part of the rating is based solely on how Fun your opponent was. A high rating would be for a team that: appeared to put winning second and fun first, encouraged themselves or their opponent in a positive way.

The Sportsmanship Ratings that you receive from the GC and your opponent will affect your ratings and status in the league:

• In any game, should you receive a -1 rating from BOTH the GC and your opponent, your team will automatically lose 1 point in the standings.
• If the above happens a second time, you will lose another point in the standings AND automatically default/forfeit your next game.  Your team will not be allowed to play and we will find a replacement team for your opponent.
• If it happens a third time, your team will be ejected from the league.  There are no refunds for teams who are ejected from the league.   

At any time the SSC may penalize or suspend a team or player for unsporting actions regardless of the ratings given by your opponents or the GC.

The Sportsmanship Rating systems affect on the League Standings:

REC Divisions: Sportsmanship ratings will be combined with the game result for total points in the standings. The sportsmanship ratings you receive from the GC and your opponent will be added to the points your team was awarded for the win, tie or loss.

• For example:

Team 1 Wins the Game = 2 Points
                        Full Spirit from their opponents and GC = 3 points
                        Total = 5 points

Team 2 Loses the Game = 0 Points
                             Full Spirit from their opponents and GC = 3 points
                             Total = 3 Points

Team 3 Wins the Game = 2 Points
                             GC and Opponents award a 0, -1, and -1 = -2 Points
                             Team will further lose another point for receiving two -1’s
                             Total = -1 Points

ALL Other Divisions:  A team's ranking in the standings is determined first by the number of games you have won, tied or lost. A team gets 2 points for a win, 1 for a tie and 0 for a loss. Tiebreakers will be determined by sportsmanship ratings then point’s differential.

For full sportsmanship policy, click here

LADY BING SPORTSMANSHIP AWARD

Each season one team will be presented with the Lady Bing Sportsmanship Award. This will be a team who was nominated for EXCEPTIONAL sportsmanship by their peers. The team will be given a few fun things for being such a great team to play! Would you like to nominate a team? Click here.

REPORTING SPORTSMANSHIP CONCERNS

• If during the game you have an unresolved concern with the other team, address the issue respectfully with the GC

• If at the end of the game you are required to make known any unresolved issues or concerns regarding the game with the opponent’s captain and the GC.  At this time you must give the other team a spirit rating for the game. 

• If rate your opponent a ‘-1’, you are required to submit a formal complaint online by 5 PM the day.  click here.  If you choose not to submit a report, the rating will be changed to a ‘0’.

The following is an outline of how the SSC handles complaints:  The captain of the team who was issued the complaint will receive feedback from the SSC based on comments from the GC and/or the opponent.  This will be kept on file to compare any future complaints against the same team or player.  At the SSC's sole discretion, the player or team may receive either:

• A warning
• A game misconduct or suspension
• A league ejection

Teams who have been issued a complaint are always welcome to provide their own feedback on the game in relation to the GC or their opponent.

THE GYMS

The SSC is privileged to rent gyms from the city and some private facilities.  Please respect the following policies:

• No outdoor shoes
• No drinking or smoking on school property
• Respect the facility staff and equipment 

GAME FORMAT

• Please arrive 15 minutes prior to the scheduled game time. 
• Games consist of two 25-minute halves, with a 5-minute half time and a 5 minute warm up at the start of the hour
• MERCY RULE: If a team gains a lead of 7 goals in a game the score will freeze (for reporting) and the two teams may continue to play for fun with no tracking of points
• In regular season games, ties are allowed - no overtime or shoot-outs.
  
  

PLAYOFFS

• All teams will qualify for 2 playoff games, held in weeks 8 and 9
• Only the top 4 teams will play for league champs
• Floor time is 60 minutes; this includes a 5 minute warm up and a 5 minute half time. If teams are tied at the end of the regulation time they will go straight into a shoot out.
• Teams are accountable for their actions in playoffs and are expected to maintain a high level of sportsmanship. 
• If a team receives two -1 ratings in a playoff game they automatically lose the game
• If both teams receive two -1 ratings in a playoff game they automatically lose the game and do not continue to play in the finals.

Shootout: 

• Kickers will alternate male/female. 

• A player cannot kick twice unless all other players on the team have already kicked once.
• 3 players from each team get to take a penalty shot.
• After three shots each, the team with the most goals wins.  If the score remains tied, each team alternates shooters until the tie is broken per pair of shooters.

GAMES COORDINATORS

• Games Coordinators (GCs) are SSC employees, they are not trained referees.  They are there to encourage sportsmanlike play and to help to keep the games running smoothly.   If players are not calling their own fouls the GC reserves the right to step in and call these fouls.     

• If no GC is present at the game, players must keep time and score during the game.  Captains should confirm the score often during a game, after each goal, at half time and at the end of the game.  Any discrepancies must be dealt with at the game so that the captains report the same score to the SSC the following day by noon.  This can be done by phone 244-7529.  Teams also report their sportsmanship for their opponent at this time.

Game facilitator:

• Pre-Game Intros:  the GC will call in both captains for introductions, define the half court line, and provide facility or league updates and other special notes.

• Managing the Time:  the GC will start the clock at the scheduled start time and manage the time for the remainder of the game.

• Keeping Score:  the GC will keep track of the score. Please confirm with the GC before leaving the gym.

• Between Games:  the GC will act as a ‘mediator’ for the captains between the games for any discussions regarding play or sportsmanship.  The GC will also provide feedback to both teams at this time.

• Disputed Eliminations:  If there is a dispute between players as to whether a player has been eliminated, the GC will make a decision if the players do not immediately come to their own resolution.  The GC’s decision is final – No Exceptions!   If a player chooses to argue with a GC or dispute his/her decision, the GC may issue a game misconduct with recommendations to the league about further actions to be taken.

Help make the game Fun and Safe:

• Eject players who are a threat to the fun or safety of their opponents – the GC is obligated by the SSC to step in and assign a game misconduct if warranted by a player’s actions. A GC cannot allow a player to continue who is jeopardizing the safety or fun of other players. 

• Provide constructive and positive feedback to the players throughout the game.

Game Reports to the SSC:

• At the conclusion of each game, the GC completes the Game Report. This includes: the scores, sportsmanship ratings, notes regarding the game and recommendations on suspensions or contacting teams about their play.

• A major focus of their report and the ratings they give each team is based on how well the team adjusted their style of play after hearing the feedback from an opponent or themselves.

THE BALL

The city prohibits the use of outdoor soccer balls in all facilities.  Players must use indoor balls.  The SSC has provided these at all facilities and are stored in a SSC labeled box either in the gym or in the caretaker's office.

If you would like to purchase your own indoor ball for warm-up purposes, you can do so at Team Skyline, Kicks or other specialty soccer stores.

WAIVER

• All players must sign a waiver before playing in our leagues.  This can be filled out online or copies can be requested from the club.  All subs must also sign waivers.  Captains are responsible to ensure that this is done. Click here.
• The waiver covers liability and sportsmanship.
• Refunds are generally not issued for players who sustain an injury and are unable to continue play in the league.

ROSTERS

• A full team is five players, one of whom shall be a goalkeeper.  Two players must be female.  If a team has a female goalie she does NOT count towards the two female players.  
• Minimum of FOUR players needed to start and continue a game.  One must be female.   Zero females will be recorded as an automatic default but the SSC recommends still playing for fun! 
• Complete and accurate team rosters must be submitted for each team.  You can have as many players on your roster as you want to.  The SSC recommends between 9-12 players.
• If both captains AGREE to waive the minimum player requirements, they may do so but it must be decided BEFORE the game starts with the GC.  IF IT IS AGREED THE GAMES WILL COUNT, THEY COUNT.

SUBS

• The SSC feels that defaults should be prevented whenever possible.
• A team may bring in subs that are not listed on the roster. Subs at any time must not have, or play at, a higher skill level than the player(s) they are replacing.
• You may only borrow players from the previous games to prevent your team from defaulting. You can not add players from a previous game if it increases the number of players on the roster beyond a minimum roster.
• Teams may bring in subs for playoff games but these players must have played during the regular season with the team. If your team is having difficulties meeting the minimum player requirements, please contact the office.
• A sub-list can be requested from the office or you can recruit subs on the player forum. If you recruit a sub, it is your responsibility to ensure they are ready to play (know the rules and have submitted a waiver). 

DEFAULTS

• All teams are to be ready to play at the time listed on the schedule
• At game time any teams not meeting the minimum player requirements will default the game.
• A default is 7-0 with the winning team getting +3 and the losing team getting -3 for spirit. The losing team is charged a default fee.
• A $50 default fee will be charged after each default. Teams must pay the fee before being allowed to play their next games. If a team defaults on a second night, their status in the league will be under review.  The team defaulted against will receive a $50 refund onto the credit card they used to register their team.