Nelson Indoor Soccer Laws of the Game
Overview
The indoor soccer rules combine aspects of FIFA Laws of the Game and the rules of hockey. As in outdoor soccer, fouls like tripping, pushing, and striking are not allowed. The game allows for “on-the-fly” substitutions and the ball can be played off the boards or glass. However, safety is our priority. Below are the comprehensive laws for league play.
1. Player Equipment
- Shin Guards: Mandatory. They must be appropriate for the player’s age/height and cover at least the lower 2/3rds of the lower leg. Socks must cover the entire shin pad.
- Footwear: Turf shoes or indoor soccer shoes are recommended. Athletic shoes or outdoor molded cleats are permitted but not recommended. Long studs, metal studs, or other dangerous variations are strictly prohibited.
- Jewelry: No jewelry is allowed, including fabric/woven bracelets and watches. Jewelry cannot be made safe by taping it.
- Exception: Adults with plain rings (e.g., a smooth wedding band) are allowed to wear them.
- Medical Bracelets: Allowed but must be taped.
- New Piercings: Players with new piercings that cannot be removed cannot play.
- Braces: Any player wearing a brace must cover it with protective material.
- Clothing: No pockets in shirts or shorts. The Captain is responsible for handing out jerseys; players must wear soccer shorts and socks.
2. Teams & Rosters
- Players on Field: 5v5 (4 outfield players + 1 Goalkeeper).
- Minimum to Start: A team must field at least 4 players. If a team cannot field 4 players at any time, they forfeit the game (recorded as 3-0).
- Co-ed League: Teams must have a minimum of 2 female players on the field at all times (excluding the goalkeeper).
- Eligibility: Only properly registered and insured players may participate. Using an unregistered player results in a forfeit. Players must play a minimum of 4 regular-season games to be eligible for playoffs.
3. The Game
- Duration: Two 25-minute halves with a 3-5 minute halftime water break. Time is “running” with no added time for injuries or substitutions (unless at referee discretion in the final minute of a close game).
- Start Time: Games must start on time.
- Bench Selection:
- Home Team: Occupies bench furthest from the scoreboard. Kick-off attacking the goal at the scoreboard.
- Away Team: Occupies bench nearest the scoreboard. Attacks the goal at the scoreboard in the second half.
- Scoring: The entire ball must cross the entire goal line prior to the expiration of time.
- Penalty at Buzzer: If a penalty kick is awarded and time expires, the kick shall be taken with 0:00 on the clock.
4. General Rules of Play
- No Off-Sides: There are no off-side offenses.
- Indirect Kicks: All free kicks are indirect. This includes center kick-offs after goals or to start a half. A goal cannot be scored directly from a kick unless it touches another player first.
- Goalkeepers: Only the goalkeeper may play the ball with their hands, and only within their own penalty area.
- Dropped Ball:
- Inside Penalty Area: Dropped for the goalkeeper.
- Outside Penalty Area: Dropped for one player of the team that last touched the ball at the point of last touch. All other players must be 3m away.
5. Substitutions
Substitutions are unlimited and occur “on the fly” (like hockey) during play or stoppages. A team with a free kick does not need to wait for the opponents to sub.
- The 2-Meter Rule: The departing player must be within 2 meters of the bench and clearly out of play before the fresh player enters.
- Violations (Yellow Card):
- Player enters too early (touches ball before teammate leaves).
- Departing player touches ball after the new player enters.
- Jumping over the boards to join a breakaway (Illegal Substitution).
6. Sliding vs. Slide Tackling
Slide tackling is strictly prohibited and results in an automatic Yellow Card.
- Definition of Illegal Slide Tackle: Sliding near an opponent to challenge for the ball.
- Permitted Slides: Sliding is allowed only if it is not a “tackle” and not near an opposing player. (e.g., sliding to intercept a pass, prevent a goal, or tap in a shot).
- Goalkeeper Exception: The keeper can slide tackle within their own penalty area, provided it is not a foul or performed in a dangerous manner.
7. Use of Boards
- Allowed: Using boards briefly to maintain balance. Wall passes.
- Prohibited: Using hands on the boards to gain leverage, shield the ball, or push an opponent away. Sitting on the boards.
- Dangerous Play (Boarding): Contact near the boards is monitored strictly. A hit from behind into the boards results in an automatic Red Card if the player is knocked down (unless referee discretion applies).
8. Handball Rules
Deliberate handling is an offense. Accidental handling is an Indirect Free Kick if:
- Ball goes into the goal after touching an attacker’s hand/arm.
- Player gains possession after hand contact and scores/creates a chance.
- Hand/arm makes the body unnaturally bigger or is above the shoulder.
Exceptions (No Foul): Ball touches hand/arm directly from the player’s own head/body/foot or a nearby player. Ball touches a hand supporting a falling player (if not extended). Goalkeeper clearance fails (keeper may then handle the ball).
9. Restarts & Ball Out of Play
| Situation | Restart | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Ball hits Ceiling | Indirect Free Kick | Directly below contact point |
| Ball hits Netting (above goal) – Defense touch | Indirect Corner Kick | White line, 1 meter from wall |
| Ball hits Netting (above goal) – Attack touch | Keeper’s Ball | Live once keeper possesses (can throw/kick/dribble) |
| Ceiling above Penalty Area (Defense touch) | Indirect Free Kick | Top of the penalty area |
| Ceiling above Penalty Area (Attack touch) | Indirect Free Kick | Below place of contact |
| Boarding/Glass Contact | Indirect Free Kick | 1 meter from the boards near contact |
10. Time Wasting (The 5-Second Rule)
An Indirect Free Kick is awarded to the opponent if:
- A player takes more than 5 seconds to put a free kick into play.
- A goalkeeper holds the ball in their hands for more than 5 seconds.
Note: Referees will count the 5 seconds once the ball is placed or the keeper has possession.
11. Infringements & Penalties
Penalty Kicks
- Awarded for any foul inside the penalty area.
- Taken from the mark 1 meter inside the penalty area.
- All other players must be 3 meters away and behind the ball.
- Goalkeeper must have part of one foot on/in line with the goal line.
Yellow Card (2-Minute Time Penalty)
- Duration: Team plays short-handed for 2 minutes.
- Release: If the opposing team scores, the penalty ends.
- Goalkeepers: If a keeper is carded, they stay on the field; a teammate serves the 2 minutes.
- Offenses: Slide tackling, Too many players, Persistent time wasting, Unsporting behavior (taunting, encroachment).
Red Card (5-Minute Major / Ejection)
- Duration: Team plays short-handed for 5 minutes. The specific player is ejected.
- Release: The 5 minutes must be served in full, regardless of goals scored.
- Goalkeepers: Must leave the field. Team plays short for 5 minutes; a sub enters after time expires.
- Offenses: Violent conduct, Serious foul play (boarding), 3rd Yellow Card, DOGSO (Denying Obvious Goal Scoring Opportunity), Fighting, Spitting, Vicious slide tackling.
Multiple Penalties (Stacking)
- A team will never play with fewer than 3 field players (5v3).
- If a team is already 2 players down and receives a 3rd penalty, that penalty time does not start until the first penalty expires.