​

Law 1 - The Field of Play

1.1 Dimensions:
The length of fields #1 and #2 is approximately 175 feet and the width is approximately 100 feet. Field #3 is approximately 120 feet long and 70 feet wide.

 

1.2 Field Markings:

Center Circle:
A circular line with a 15 foot radius (10 foot on field #3) from the center spot
Red Lines: Placed across the field in each half, equidistant from the halfway line. The lines shall extend vertically to the top of the perimeter walls. Each red line shall be marked with a 9 inch diameter spot at the center of the line.

Penalty Area:
This area is 30 feet wide and 25 feet deep. It is marked by a 30 foot line parallel to the goal line and 25 feet away from the goal line and two lines perpendicular to the goal line 8 feet from the inside of each goal post.

Penalty Mark:
A 9 inch circular mark, within the penalty area, 24 feet from the midpoint of the goal line. From this mark, a restraining arc, having a radius of 15 feet (10 feet on field #3), shall be drawn outside the penalty area.

Goal:
Placed at the center of each goal line. The opening is 14 feet wide and 7.5 feet high. On field #3, the opening is 12 feet wide and 6.5 feet high.

 

Law 2 - The Ball

2.1 Approved Ball Specifications:
The circumference of the ball shall be between 68 and 70 cm. The match ball should be inflated to full pressure of approximately 9.75 lbs. A size 5 ball will be used by all divisions with the exception that youth divisions U12 and younger will use a size 4 ball.

Law 3 - Number of Players

3.1 Teams:
The game shall be played by two teams each consisting of not less than six players on the field. Each team must have a goalkeeper. Each adult team may dress up to 14 players. Youth teams may dress 19 players. If multiple time penalties are being served, each team must have a minimum of four players on the field, including the goalkeeper. At the start of each match, all teams must begin with 4 players (3 field players and one goalkeeper). Co-ed teams must field 2 men and 2 women. U12 divisions will also play 6 v 6 plus goalkeepers.

 

3.2 Official Line-up:
Prior to the start of the game, each team shall submit a line-up card to the Referee. Players arriving late must be added to the line-up card between periods before playing. Referees shall report non-compliance to the league.

 

3.3 Substitutes:
The Referee's authority and jurisdiction shall extend to all bench personnel and players. Spectators are prohibited from team bench areas.

 

3.4 Unlimited Substitutions:
During the game, unlimited "on-the-fly" substitutions are permitted at any time for field players and the goalkeeper provided that both the following two conditions are satisfied:

1.     The player(s) leaving the field must be within the touchline at the player's own bench area, or off the field in the bench area, before the substitution is made.

2.     Neither players entering the field or players departing the field may participate in play when they are simultaneously on the field.

An illegal substitution will be penalized by a time penalty and a free kick from the location of the ball when play was stopped. If the substitution involves a violation of condition [1] only, the Referee may choose to give a verbal warning to the offending team. Subsequent violations must be penalized by a time penalty.

 

3.5 Guaranteed Substitution:
The restart of play will be delayed until the completion of substitutions by either team in the following instances:

        a) After a goal has been scored
       b) After a time penalty has been awarded
       c) On an injury time out
       d) When the ball leaves the field of play by going over the perimeter wall
       e) Between periods
       f) After a superstructure violation
       g) At any other unusual stoppage, with the Referee's permission

Guaranteed substitutions are not allowed in the last two minutes of the last period. "On-the-fly" subs are allowed.

 

3.6 Timed Substitutions:
Teams shall be allowed up to 10 seconds to complete guaranteed substitutions. A team may not waste time when substituting. A team shall receive a warning for the first violation and time penalties for subsequent violations.

 

3.7 Injured Player:
A player attended to on the field by bench personnel is not required to leave the field. If play is stopped for an injury, and bench personnel are called onto the field, either team may have a guaranteed substitution. Referees should stop play only when the team of the injured player gains possession of the ball, if the position of the injured player is critical to play, or if, in the opinion of the Referee, the injury appears serious in nature.

 

3.8 Substitution on Free Kick:
Substitutions are permitted in accordance with 3.4. The 5 second rule for the taking of a free kick still applies. The 5 seconds commences upon the referee’s signal to restart play.

 

3.9 Time Penalties for Substitution Violations:
For any of the following offenses, the offending team's coach shall designate any player to serve a time penalty:

        a) Excess number of players
       b) Playing without a goalkeeper
       c) Illegal substitution of a goalkeeper (two on the field)
       d) Delay of substitution after warning

 

Law 4 - Players' Equipment

4.1 Usual Equipment:
The equipment of a player is a shirt, short, socks and indoor soccer footwear. Except for the goalkeeper, no long pants or sweats are permitted. Permanent numbers must be worn on the shirt, at least 4" in height. Each player on a team shall wear a number which is unique for that team. Uniforms should be of like color. In cases where two teams have similar colors, the referee shall designate by coin toss or other method the team to wear pennies.

 

4.2 Shinguards:
All players, including the keeper, must wear shinguards at all times.

 

4.3 Footwear:
A player's footwear must be flat-soled shoes or others designed for an artificial surface. Studded footwear must have at least 30 molded mini-studs. A player who loses a shoe during the normal course of play may continue to participate until the next stoppage in play where guaranteed substitutions are allowed. No outdoor cleats allowed.

 

4.4 Goalkeeper:
The goalkeeper must wear colors which distinguish the individual from field players and the Referee. This rule applies to field players who replace the goalkeeper. The keeper may wear protective headgear subject to Referee approval.

 

4.5 Dangerous Equipment:
Players shall not be permitted to wear necklaces, bracelets, rings, or chains at any time during the playing of the game. Unremovable jewelry may be taped at the discretion of the Referee so that it does not present a danger to the wearer or other players. Properly padded casts may be worn, at the discretion of the Referee. A player found infringing Law 4.5 shall be sent off the field of play, (on-the-fly substitution). The player sent off may not return until the next guaranteed sub and must report to the Referee at that time. A player returning to play without reporting to the Referee shall be assessed an Unsportsmanlike Conduct time penalty.

 

Law 5 - Referee

5.1 Referees's Authority:
A system employing one Referee is generally used. In some cases, two Referees will be used. In this case, the floor official is the "Referee" while the second official, off the floor, is the "Assistant Referee". Their authority begins when they enter the field of play and extends to all areas of the arena including spectators. The Referees are responsible for the record of the game and the keeping of time.

 

5.2 Powers:
The Referees' power to penalize includes offenses committed when the ball is out of play or when play has been temporarily suspended. Referees' decisions on points of fact connected with play shall be final. They shall:

 a) Enforce the rules:

If a player commits two infringements, the Referee shall penalize the more serious offense.

b) Advantage:

Refrain from penalizing in cases where a stoppage of play would give an advantage to the offending team. The referee may still penalize the original foul if the advantage is not realized.

c) Discretionary Power:

The Referees have discretionary power to stop the game for any infringement and to suspend or terminate the game due to field/building conditions, spectator interference, or other causes. A detailed report shall be submitted to the league.

d) Penalize/Caution:

From the time they enter the field, penalize any player or team personnel guilty of misconduct, caution any player for unsporting behavior, and eject, if the player persists. In such cases, the Referee shall report the offender to the League via the official game report.

e) Illegal Entry:

Allow no person other than the players to enter the field of play without permission.

f) Injury Stoppage:

Stop the game if, in their opinion, a player has been injured, in accordance with Law 3.7. Ensures that any player bleeding from a wound leaves the field of play. The player may only return after receiving permission from the referee.

 

g) Ejection:

Send off the field of play any player or team personnel who is guilty of:
                         [1] Violent conduct or serious foul play
                         [2] Foul or abusive language/behavior, or
                         [3] Persists in misconduct after having received a Caution.

        h) Signal for Recommencement of the game after all stoppages.

        i) Ball Approval:

Determine if the ball provided meets with the requirements.

j) Non-Player Discipline:

Caution or eject (see Law 12) any non-playing team personnel entering the field without the Referee's permission except during game stoppages designated by the Referee, injury time-out called by the Referee, between periods.
       

k) On Premises, Off field discipline:

The Referee may caution or eject (see Law 12), players and non-playing team personnel, following the conclusion of a game, on the premises. The Referee shall report the offender via the official game report. A team may be disciplined for the behavior of their spectators.

 

Law 6 - Assistant Referee

6.1 Assistant Referee:
If present, the assistant Referee shall indicate illegal substitutions, signal for three line violations, keep the time and record of the game, and administer time penalties. The assistant Referee may also support the Referee, as requested, by indicating out-of-bounds and whistling fouls.

 

Law 7 - Duration of the Game

7.1 Duration:
The duration of a regulation game shall be two (2) halves of twenty six (26) minutes each for a total of fifty-two (52) minutes, subject to the following:
       a) Ball in Play:

The clock may be stopped for injuries, serious time wasting, and when ball is out of play for an extended period of time, at the discretion of the Referee.

       b) Play Extension:

Play shall be extended to permit the taking of a penalty kick if an infraction occurred immediately prior to the expiration of time.

        c) Clock Malfunction:

In case of clock malfunction, the Referee shall add or subtract time deemed appropriate, and/or keep time on an alternate time piece.

 

7.2 Intervals Between Periods:
There is a three (3) minute half-time provided. The Referee may shorten the half-time interval to one (1) minute if the game is behind schedule due to a delay in the game or in previous games.

 

Law 8 - The Start of Play

8.1 Beginning of the Game:
There is a five minute grace period from the scheduled kick-off time for a team to field four (4) players. The names of the players must be submitted on the line-up card. Any team failing to field four (4) players within five minutes of the scheduled kick-off time will forfeit the game. The score will be recorded as 4-0. The direction of the kickoff shall be designated by the referee. If possible, all kickoffs shall be toward the scoreboard. Generally, the benches are chosen on a first come, first serve basis. After the Referee has given a signal, the game shall be started by a place-kick. The ball is in play when it is kicked and moves forward. The kicker may not play the ball a second time until it has been touched by another player. A goal may be scored directly from a kickoff.

 

8.2 Punishment:
If a kickoff is not taken correctly, the kickoff shall be retaken. If the kicker plays the ball a second time before it has been touched by another player, a free kick shall be awarded to the opposing team from the spot of the infraction.

8.3 Drop Ball Restart:

When restarting the game after a stoppage of play for any cause not covered elsewhere in these Laws, the Referee shall drop the ball at the place where play was stopped. If in the penalty box, the ball shall be dropped at the nearest point outside the penalty box.

 

Law 9 - Ball In and Out of Play

9.1 Ball Out of Play:
The ball is out of play:
       a) When it has completely crossed the perimeter wall.
       b) When it hits any part of the building superstructure above the field of play. Play will be
            restarted with a free kick for the opposing team at the center of the nearest red line (center
            line on field #3). It shall be a guaranteed substitution occasion.
       c) When the game has been stopped by the Referee.

 

Law 10 - Method Of Scoring

10.1 Legal Goal:
Except as otherwise stated in the Laws, a goal is scored when the whole of the ball has passed over the goal line, between the goalposts and under the crossbar, if it has not been intentionally handled by a player of the attacking side. The team scoring the greatest number of goals during the game shall be the winner.

 

10.2 Outside Interference:
A goal cannot be allowed, in any case, if the ball has been interfered with by an outside agent before it passes into the goal. The game shall be restarted with a drop ball.

 

Law 11 - Three Line Violation-Goalkeeper

11.1 Definition:
A three line violation is a pass of the ball across three lines in the air towards the opponent's goal, without the ball having touched another player, the perimeter wall, or a Referee. Infringement shall result in a free kick awarded to the opposing team at the center of the first red line (center line on field #3) that the ball crossed. The three line pass applies to:
       a) Goalkeeper: Any pass or free kick across three lines
       .

Law 12 - Fouls / Misconduct / Penalties

12.1 Fouls:
A player who commits any of the following offenses in a manner considered by the referee to be careless or reckless shall be penalized by the Referee awarding a free kick to the opposing team. The kick is taken from the point of the infraction (subject to the exclusions in Law 13).

        a) Kicks or attempts to kick an opponent;
       b) Trips an opponent by use of legs or by stooping in front or behind;
       c) Jumps or slides at an opponent; slide tackling is not allowed;
       d) Charges an opponent from behind unless the latter is shielding the ball in alegal manner;
       e) Strikes, elbows, or spits at an opponent, or attempts to strike or elbow an opponent;
            a time penalty must also be assessed.
       f) Holds an opponent;
       g) Pushes an opponent;
       h) Handles the ball, (i.e., carries, strikes, or propels the ball with the arm). This does not
           apply to a goalkeeper within the defensive penalty area.
       i) Boarding- propelling an opponent into the perimeter wall. A time penalty must also be
           assessed for boarding;
       j) Playing in a dangerous manner;
      k) When not playing the ball, intentionally impedes the progress of an opponent, i.e., running
           between the opponent and the ball, or placing the body so as to form an obstacle to an
           opponent. If a player covers up the ball without touching it to prevent play by an opponent,
           the Rules are not infringed as the player is in possession of the ball and shields it for
           tactical reasons;
       l) Charging the goalkeeper inside the goalkeeper's penalty area. (See rule 12.3 c,d,e,f.)
     m) prevents the goalkeeper from releasing the ball from his/her hands.

 

12.2 Goalkeeping Restrictions:
The following infractions are to be penalized by the Referee awarding a free kick to the opponents at the top of the restraining arc:

a) Hand to Hand:
Having had control with the hands and releasing it from the hands to be played by oneself or a teammate, a goalkeeper shall not handle the ball again until it has been touched or played by an opponent. Bouncing the ball is not considered "releasing it" from the hands. Does not apply to youth divisions U11 and younger.
b) Passback:
The goalkeeper shall not handle the ball after it has been deliberately kicked to him or her by a teammate. Does not apply to youth divisions U11 and younger.
c) 6-Second Distribution:
Once a goalkeeper obtains possession of the ball within the penalty area, the ball must be distributed outside of the penalty area or to another player within six (6) seconds. Possession shall be defined as control with hand or foot..

Additionally, the following restrictions shall apply:

1) Handball Outside Area:
Intentional handballs committed by the goalkeeper outside the penalty area shall be considered "severe in nature". A time penalty must be awarded against the goalkeeper who, in the opinion of the Referee, handles the ball in a deliberate attempt to break up a play or save a shot on goal outside of the penalty area. Situations where the goalkeeper legally handles the ball within the penalty area but is carried outside the area by momentum, shall not be deemed "severe in nature" and a time penalty shall not be awarded.
2) Goalkeeper Striking:
If during play, the goalkeeper intentionally strikes an opponent by throwing the ball violently or pushing with the ball at the opponent, the Referee shall caution or eject as appropriate and award a penalty kick if the offense was initiated from within the penalty area.

 

 

 

12.3 Goalkeeper Privileges:

a) Goalkeeper Time Penalties:
A time penalty assessed against the goalkeeper may be served by another member of the team but charged to the goalkeeper. During the course of the time penalty, the goalkeeper may not be switched or substituted for a field player.
b) Obstructing Goalkeeper:
If a player intentionally obstructs the opposing goalkeeper in an attempt to prevent the goalkeeper from putting the ball into play, the Referee shall award a free kick.
c) Charging Goalkeeper:
The Referee shall award a free kick to the defense in the case of intentional contact by the attacking team with the goalkeeper not in possession of the ball in the goal area.
d) Inadvertent Fouls:
Fouls which are inadvertently committed against the goalkeeper, in the opinion of the Referee, may still result in a free kick against the offending team.
e) Endangering the Goalkeeper:
A player who intentionally fouls the goalkeeper in a way which, in the opinion of the Referee, falls short of serious foul play but still endangers the goalkeeper beyond what is considered the normal hazard of play, shall be cautioned for Ungentlemanly Conduct.
f) Violent Charge of Goalkeeper / Serious Foul Play:
The player who intentionally charges the goalkeeper in a violent manner or intentionally kicks the goalkeeper who has full possession of the ball shall be cautioned or ejected for serious foul play.

 

12.4 Time Penalties:

Time penalties shall be divided into the following categories:

Team Time Penalties -2 minutes
Penal Time Penalties -2 minutes
Unsporting Behavior Time Penalties -2 minutes
Cautionable Time Penalties -2 minutes
Ejectionable Time Penalties -5 minutes

These time penalties may be applied at any time after the start of the game whether or not play is in progress.

 

a) Blue/Yellow/Red Cards:
Team, Penal, and Unsporting Behavior time penalties shall be indicated by the Referee showing a blue card. Cautionable time penalties shall be indicated by a yellow card. Ejectionable time penalties shall be indicated by a red card.
b) Delayed Penalty:
The Referee may choose to apply the advantage and not stop the game for an offense which warrants a time penalty. If the advantage is applied, the time penalty shall be administered at the next stoppage or when possession changes to the team that fouled. The restart is the same as indicated by the stoppage of play. If there is a change of possession, a free kick is awarded to the team that was fouled at the spot of the possession change. If the possession changes in the penalty area, a free kick is awarded to the team that was fouled from the top of the arc.
c) Powerplay Goal:
If a goal is scored during a powerplay by the team with more players, than a player from the team scored against shall return to play. If more than one player is serving a penalty, the player with the least time remaining shall return to play.
d) Misconduct by Non-Players:
Bench personnel shall be defined as any non-player in the bench area with the permission of the coach. Bench personnel may be cautioned and subsequently ejected for any of the following offenses: (A team time penalty shall be served)
               1) Entering the field of play without the Referee's permission.
              2) Using foul or abusive language.
              3) Repeated Dissent of the Referee's decisions after a warning.
e) Equal Number of Penalties Elapsing:
If an equal number of players from both teams are legally on the field of play when a goal is scored, no player serving a time penalty shall return to play.
f) Penalty Kick:
If a penalized player is in the penalty box for a foul which resulted in the awarding of a penalty kick, then that player shall be released if the penalty kick is scored directly.
g) Multiple Penalties:
A maximum of two (2) penalties shall count down simultaneously. If a penalty occurs with a team having two or more players serving time penalties, the additional time penalties shall not commence until a previous penalty has expired.
h) Minimum Number Players on Field:
There must always be a minimum of four (4) players on the field of play. If a team is penalized with a time penalty with two (2) already being served, the third player must go to the penalty box and be replaced by a substitute on the field. The penalty time shall commence in accordance with section (g). The player being released shall return to play in accordance with section (I).
8) Return to Play / Restriction:
When a team has three (3) or more players serving time penalties simultaneously, a substitute for the third player is on the field of play.
j) Ejected Coach Restriction:
An ejected coach must leave the field area immediately and may not have any communication with his team until the team leaves the field area.
k) Authorized Penalty Box Exit:
A player shall not leave the penalty box unless released by the Referee. A player may leave the penalty box to consult with his team at half-time. A player leaving the box must return to the field before being replaced by a substitute.

 

12.5 Team Time Penalties:
A two minute "Team" time penalty will be served by a player designated by the coach for any of the following offenses. The player chosen shall not be charged with the penalty.

a) Illegal Substitutions:
See Law 3, Section 9.
b) Leaving Bench for Confrontation:
The Referee may also penalize individual players or bench personnel.
c) Referee Crease Violation:
A penalty may be issued if players congregate in the area of the Referee Crease for purposes of disputing or dissenting the decision of the Referee. The Referee may also penalize individual players.
d) Bench Misconduct:
Defined as physical or verbal abuse of the Referee where the offender is not identifiable. A verbal warning shall be issued for the first offense. A team time penalty shall be assessed for subsequent violations. This does not prohibit Referees from penalizing individual players or bench personnel.

 

12.6 Penal Time Penalties:
A two-minute "penal" time penalty may be assessed, at the Referee's discretion, against a player guilty of severe, tactical, or blatant penal offenses listed in Law 12, Section 1. A penalty must always be awarded for boarding, elbowing, and striking. A foul which warrants a Penal category time penalty shall result in a penalty kick if the foul occurs in the defending team's penalty area while the ball is in play.

 

12.7 Unsporting Behavior Time Penalties:
For any of the following offenses, a free kick shall be awarded to the opposing team:

 

a) Referee's Discretion:
At the discretion of the Referee, a penalty may be assessed to any player deemed guilty of Unsportsmanlike Conduct (UC) which does not warrant a caution.
b) Cumulative Caution/Ejection:
The awarding of a second UC penalty to a player shall require an automatic Caution. A third such penalty shall require automatic Ejection.
c) Encroachment:
If a Referee requests compliance with Law 13, Section 2, and the player refuses or if a defending player within 15 feet (10 feet on field #3) intentionally interferes with the taking of a free-kick, that player shall be assessed a UC time penalty. The referee is not obligated to ask the defender to give the required distance. The team with the ball does not need to ask for the distance. Violations may be punished by a time penalty without a warning. Any attempt to delay the taking of a free kick will be punished by a time penalty. The team with the ball does not need to ask for the distance. Violations may be punished by a time penalty without a warning. Any attempt to delay the taking of a free kick will be punished by a time penalty.
d) Referee's Crease Violation:
The Referee's Crease allows the Referee to issue time penalties, etc., without interference. A player interfering with the Referee in this area may be assessed a UC time penalty.
e) Equipment Adjustment:
A player reentering the game after having failed to adjust equipment, as requested by the Referee, shall be assessed a UC time penalty.
f) Delaying Restart of Game:
Players of the offending team shall not engage in tactics which delay the restart or otherwise waste time immediately after a whistle to stop play. This includes kicking the ball over the perimeter wall or touching or moving the ball by the offending team which in any way delays the restart. For any violation, the offending player shall be assessed a UC time penalty. It is at the discretion of the referee to add time to replace the time lost.
g) Gesticulating:
A player who attempts to distract a player by word or gesture shall be assessed a UC time penalty.
h) Unauthorized Penalty Box Exit:
A player who intentionally exits the penalty box before the expiration of his time penalty shall be assessed a UC time penalty. The time is added on to the remaining time on that player's first penalty.
i) Spitting on the Field Carpet:
A player who spits on the carpet at any time during the course of a game, including between periods, shall be penalized by a UC time penalty. At all other times, the Referee shall report the incident to the league via the Game Report.

 

12.8 Cautionable Offenses:
A player shall be cautioned and shown the yellow card for:

persistent infringement of the laws of the game
unsporting behavior
showing dissent by word or action

For any of these offenses, in addition to the two-minute caution time penalty, a free-kick shall be awarded to the opposing team.

 

a) Cumulative Penalty Caution:
A player shall be cautioned for the second Penal time penalty, second UC time penalty, or a combination of one each.
b) Second Penal During Delayed:
If the offending player is guilty of a second penal time penalty offense while playing under the delayed blue card advantage signal, that player may receive an additional penalty as appropriate.
c) Serious Penal Offense:
If a penal offense is of a serious nature, but does not warrant an ejection, the Referee may choose to caution the offender for a first offense. The time penalty assessed is two minutes.

 

12.9 Sending Off Offenses Time Penalties:
A player shall be sent off and shown the red card for:

violent conduct or serious foul play
spitting at an opponent or any other person
persists in misconduct after having received a caution (a time penalty after having received a yellow card)
using offensive, insulting or abusive language.

If play is stopped for a player to be ejected for an offense without a separate breach of the Laws having been committed, the game shall be resumed by a free kick awarded to the opposing team.

 

a) Duration of Ejectionable Penalty:
When a player is ejected, a five (5) minute time penalty shall be assessed to the offender which shall be served by another player from his team designated by the coach. Referees are instructed not to restart play until the ejected player or bench personnel leave the field area. The ejected player must retire to the clubhouse in Glastonbury or the pro shop, front desk, or cafe areas in Hamden.
b) Simultaneous Ejections:
In situations involving two or more simultaneous ejectionable time penalties in situations where players on opposing teams have been issued ejections, the penalties shall negate each other on a one-for-one basis. (The ejected players leave the field but no penalty is served.)
c) Maximum Time for Single Incident:
No player, or substitute for an ejected player, shall serve more that five (5) minutes for a single incident. A single incident is defined as occurring from the original stoppage of play until play is restarted.
d) Unseemly Behavior:
Spitting at other persons, committing a serious foul on the goalkeeper in full possession of the ball, or similar unseemly behavior, shall be considered to be violent conduct.
e) Delay of Restart After Ejection:
If a Referee ejects a player, the restart shall not be taken until that player has left the field.
f) Misconduct after Ejection:
If in the opinion of the Referee, a player persists in misconduct of any kind, towards the Referee, other players, or spectators, the Referee may assess a "hard" five minute penalty. In this case, the player serving the penalty for the ejected player must serve the full five minutes regardless of the number of goals scored by the opposing team.

 

12.10 Delayed Time Penalty:
In situations where the Referee would want to penalize a player with a two minute time penalty while at the same time wishing to apply the advantage clause, the Referee will acknowledge the foul and signal the advantage by raising a blue card and maintaining that signal until such time as:

a) Opponent Possession:
The offending team gains possession of the ball. The Referee shall signal the foul with a whistle, penalize the offending player, and restart with a free kick for the opposing team at the approximate point where the possession changed. If the possession changes in the offending teams penalty area, a free kick shall be awarded to the opposing team from the top of the arc.
b) Goal:
A goal is scored by the opposing team. The offending player's offense is recorded but no time penalty is served.
c) Stoppage:
Play is stopped by another foul or ball out of play. The offending player guilty of the foul which initiated the blue card advantage shall be penalized. Play is restarted according to the infraction which caused play to be stopped.

Law 13 - Free Kick

13.1 Free Kick Regulations:
When play has been stopped for a foul or other infraction, play shall be restarted with a "free" kick taken by a player of the opposing team. When a free kick is being taken, all the opposing players shall be at least fifteen (15') from the ball (10 feet on field #3). The ball must be stationary when a free kick is taken and the kicker shall have five (5) seconds within which to play the ball after being signaled to do so by the Referee. Failure to put the ball into play in time will result in the restart being "turned-over" to the opponent. The ball shall be in play when it is kicked and moves. The player taking the free kick may not play the ball a second time until it has been touched by another player (including rebounds off the perimeter wall). A goal may be scored directly against either team from such a kick. A whistle is required for all restarts at the top of the arc.

a) Location:
Subject to the exclusions in these Laws, a free kick shall be taken from within three feet of the point of infraction. If a team gains an unfair advantage from the location of the kick, the kick shall be retaken.
b) Free Kick in Defensive Goal Area:
A free kick awarded to the defending team, within its own goal area, may be taken from any point within the goal area.
c) Free Kicks Originating in Penalty Area:
When a player is taking a free kick from within the defensive penalty area, all opposing players shall remain outside the penalty area and at least 15' (10' on field #3) from the location of the ball until the ball has been kicked out of the penalty area. The ball is not in play until it leaves the penalty area. If the ball is not kicked directly into play, the kick shall be retaken.
d) Free Kick in Attacking Penalty Area:
Any free kick awarded to the attacking team in its opponent's penalty area shall be taken at the top of the restraining arc unless a penalty kick has been awarded. A penalty kick shall be taken in accordance with Law 14.

 

Law 14 - Penalty Kick

14.1 Definition:
A penalty kick is a free kick awarded to the offense. It is taken from the penalty mark, against the goalkeeper, without interference from other players. It can be awarded irrespective of the position of the ball, if in play, at the time an offense is committed. A penalty kick shall be awarded if a player of the defending team commits a foul which warrants a time penalty within the defensive penalty area (including the area behind the goal line bounded by the net).

 

14.2 Regulations:
All players, except the defending goalkeeper and the player taking the kick, shall remain behind the line forming the top of the penalty box, and its extension to the perimeter wall. In addition, players standing on the restraining arc may not interfere with the kicker. The Referee shall spot the ball on the penalty mark and identify the player taking the kick. The goalkeeper must stand on the goal line. The ball is in play when it is kicked and moves forward. The kicker may not play the ball a second time until it has been touched by another player.

14.3 Violations by the Defense:
If the goalkeeper comes off of the goal line or a teammate of the goalkeeper enters the penalty area prior to the taking of the kick, 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.

 

14.4 Violations by the Offense:
If the player taking the penalty kick infringes the laws of the game or a teammate of the
player taking the penalty kick enters the penalty area prior to the taking of the kick, 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.

14.5 Violations by both teams:
If a player of both the defending team and the attacking team infringe the laws of the game, the kick is retaken.

14.5.1 Penalty Expiration Exclusion:
If the penalty kick results in a goal scored, the offending player shall be released from serving the time penalty for the initial foul regardless of the number of players in the penalty box. If there are subsequent time penalties after the initial foul, those time penalties must be served.

 

14.6 Penalty in Extended Play:
Play shall be extended at the end of any period to allow a penalty kick to be taken or retaken. Any combination of rebounds from the ground, the goalkeeper, the crossbar, or the goal posts, are considered part of the play.

 

Law 15 - Restarts - Ball Over Perimeter Wall

15.1 Kick-In:
When the whole of the ball passes over the perimeter wall along the touchline, it shall be kicked in by a player of the opposing team from the point on the touchline where it crossed the perimeter wall. The ball shall be in play when it is kicked and moves. A goal may be scored directly from such a kick.

If, in the opinion of the Referee, a player has intentionally propelled the ball over the perimeter wall, a free kick shall be awarded to the opposing team at the nearest third line of the offending team.

 

15.2 Goal Kick:

When the whole of the ball passes over the end perimeter wall between the corner flagposts, having last been touched by a player of the attacking team, play shall be restarted by a free kick. The kick is taken by a player of the opposing team within the Goal Area. The Goal Area is defined as the space 4 feet or less from the goaline within the Penalty Box. The ball is not in play until it leaves the penalty area.

If the ball does not leave the penalty area, the kick must be retaken. Players of the opposing team shall remain outside the penalty area until the ball exits the penalty area.

If a player taking a goal kick plays the ball a second time after it leaves the penalty area but before it has been touched by another player, a free kick shall be awarded to the opposing team.

 

15.3 Corner Kick:
When the whole of the ball passes over the end perimeter wall between the corner flagposts, having last been touched by a player of the defending team, play shall be restarted by a corner kick. A goal may be scored directly from such a kick.

The whole of the ball shall be placed on the corner spot at the nearest corner flagpost. A second whistle by the Referee is mandatory before a corner kick may be taken.