Rules and Policies

ABQ Indoor Soccer Rules and House Policies
-AIS reserves the right to refuse play and or service to anyone. Violations of any rules may result in ejection from the facility.

-Individuals utilizing this facility do so at their own risk. The property owners, league operators, referees, owners and staff of AIS assume no liability for any injuries or accidents, which may occur. Please reference Release Liability Waiver Forms and signage posted within the facility.

-Absolutely NO ALCOHOL allowed on the property. Players caught under the influence of, or using, alcohol or any illegal substance on the property will be banned from the facility for no less than three months. Persons caught distributing illegal substances, or alcohol to minors on this property will be banned and turned over to the police.

-Conduct within the facility should be in the spirit of good sportsmanship on or off the field. No foul, abusive, racial or derogatory language or action toward any person shall be tolerated, and will result in expulsion from the property, and depending on the seriousness of the offence will be banned and/or prosecuted.

-No gum, sunflower seeds, chewing tobacco, smoking, or similar type products are permitted in the facility.

-No food, drinks, chewing gum, or spitting permitted on playing surface.

TERMINATION OF PARTICIPATION: The facility management reserves the right to terminate an individual's and team's participation at the facility for violation of these policies as posted.

LEAGUE REGISTRATION & FEES: Teams are registered on a first-come, first served basis; with existing registered teams getting priority. Team managers are responsible for the entire session fee once their first game is played. Individuals or groups wishing to form special interest teams, including but not limited to players who have disabilities, are encouraged to contact management for more information.

RELEASE of LIABILITY WAIVER and PLAYER CARDS: No individual will be allowed to participate in any league games, practice sessions, tournaments, clinics, open pick-up games, or other activities without an official player’s card. Player cards will not be issued until a release form has been properly completed and signed and an annual fee of $10.00 has been paid. Any team caught using a player without a player card will forfeit their game.

LEVELS OF COMPETITION: AIS reserves the right to make the necessary changes within league divisions to ensure an equal level of ability and competition.

FIRST AID: The facility has a limited first aid kit. It shall be the responsibility of each team to maintain their own first-aid kit. Should a team require first-aid supplied from the facility, the team may be invoiced for the supplies.

RESCHEDULED AND MAKE-UP GAMES: If a team is unable to play a scheduled game, the opposing team may choose to accept a 5-0 forfeit. If both teams agree to a make-up, they will be offered possible times from the facility management office. It will be the team managers or representatives responsibility to coordinate and select one of the available times. The team requesting to reschedule a match must request a reschedule in writing one week prior to subject game; failure to do so will result in the game being forfeited (See FORFEITURES). THERE WILL BE NO RESCHEDULES OF AN ALREADY RESCHEDULED GAME.

TEAM NO-SHOWS: If a team cannot play a scheduled game (See RESCHEDULED AND MAKE-UP GAMES) the opposing team will be awarded a 5-0 victory. NO RESCHEDULE WILL BE GIVEN, AND THE GUILTY TEAM WILL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR BOTH TEAMS REFEREE FEES

A team forfeiting a game(s) during any one session will be subject to the following fines unless a 48 hours written notice to AIS is received. 1st forfeit is $10.00, 2nd forfeit $20.00, 3rd forfeit is termination of team participation from the session WITHOUT REFUND and loss of re-registration priority. If the forfeiting team attempts to provide a team (2 or 3 persons show), NO fine will be enforced. A team must provide 4 or more rostered players to be considered eligible to play. In the case of a forfeit the opposing team may use the field for practice or a friendly pick-up game will be organized until the scheduled game time. If players elect to play a friendly they can utilize the referee for his or her customary fee.

RED CARD POLICY: A player or coach/manager sent off in (or after) a game by a referee (red carded) will automatically be suspended from the next game in the session. In addition, a player will be banned from playing on any other team until the suspension has been served. If a player is ejected in the last game of a session, he/she will be prohibited from playing in the first game after he/she registers for another session. Any game a suspended player plays in will be forfeited by the suspended player's team." IF A PLAYER THAT HAS RECEIVED A RED CARD PLAYS DURING THEIR SUSPENSION, THE FINE OR SUSPENSION WILL INCREASE BY NO LESS THAN DOUBLE THE ORIGINAL PENALTY TO BE DETERMINED BY THE OWNERS OF AIS".

When a player receives a red card that player needs to exit the building before play is resumed. If the player refuses to leave, provides unnecessary delay, or verbally and/or physically abuses or threatens anybody in the building the game will be forfeit by said players team. In the case of a non-driving minor, the player will wait in the arena office until a parent or guardian can take them home.

A player red carded for the offense of "persistent infraction" of the rules after receiving a caution (yellow card) or a third blue card 2 minute time penalty will be suspended for 1 game and fined $10.00

A player or coach/manager red carded for the offense of "violent conduct" (including, but not limited to: spitting, threatening, continued rough play, etc.), will be suspended for the rest of the session, and not less than three games. The fine will be $100.00 for the first offense and a probationary agreement will be signed between the player and facility management team before the player may play again. Second offense will result in a 1 year ban and the same criteria as the first offense will be met before the player is allowed to play again and a bond will be paid.

A player or coach/manager red carded for the offense of "foul and abusive language", or "dissent" will be subject to a $20.00 fine and one game suspension, a second offense will result in a $50.00 fine and 3 game suspension. A third offense will result in a 1 year ban.

A player or coach/manager red carded for "assaulting an official" or “fighting” will automatically be banned from any further activities at AIS and prosecuted by law.

AN "ASSAULT ON AN OFFICIAL" SHALL BE DEFINED AS A BATTERY OR AN ATTEMPT TO COMMIT A BATTERY UPON AN OFFICIAL; AND AN ACT WHICH IS CLOSE TO ACCOMPLISHMENT SHALL BE SUFFICIENT TO CONSTITUTE AN ASSAULT UPON AN OFFICIAL. ANY ASSULT ON AN OFFICIAL SHALL RESULT IN A PERMANENT BAN FROM AIS. LOCAL AUTHORITIES WILL ALSO BE NOTIFIED.

Should a coach/manager of a team be unable to control a player’s actions after a red card is issued, the coach/manager will also be suspended for three games and game may be stopped. If game is stopped in such manner the offending team will lose by forfeit.

A player accumulating three red cards over a one year period will be banned from AIS for a period of no less than one year from last offence, and will not be allowed back without a written petition to management and signed probationary agreement. Depending on the offense and history of the player a cash bond may need to be posted.

"Jumping-in": A player jumping on to the field to break up or participate in a fight will automatically be ejected from the game. This action will be treated and penalized as a violent conduct offense.

“Fan disturbance”, a referee may stop a game and issue a blue card to any team whose fans are threatening, abusing, or being derogatory towards a referee or player on the field. The offending team will designate a player from the field to serve the penalty, and play down a player. Second offense will result in a yellow card, and the third will be a red, and the team representative will serve a three game suspension, and the team will be subject to a $200.00 fine before they will be allowed to play their next scheduled game. A second such offense in a session will result in the team being disbanded.

REFEREE STAFF: AIS management would like to reaffirm that referees appointed to officiate each game have complete authority, and that his/her decisions on points of fact connected with the game are final. Officiating will be monitored and assessed periodically and in-house training and classes will provide for quality officiating. Constructive comments regarding officiating are welcomed and encouraged. Please submit any such comments in writing. Complaints regarding officials should be submitted in writing and contain points of fact. Do not discuss officiating or the officials with the facility staff during or immediately after your game.

Referees will be paid $5.00 by each team before a game will start. If a team fails to pay before game time, the referee may consider that game forfeit by the offending team

RESPONSIBILITY COACH/MANAGER/PLAYER: It is the responsibility of each player and the player's team manager to be aware of the total status of their players' infractions. Failure to comply may result in further disciplinary measures which may include suspension of the coach/rep and forfeiture of games played in (this includes use of ineligible players.) Furthermore the team rep will be held responsible for the actions of the team’s fans; see “fan disturbance” under red card policy.

SPORTSMANSHIP: Individuals are expected to play under control and within the rules of the game, and to the best of their ability while avoiding causing injury to themselves and other persons using the facility. At the point that a dominating team scores 10 goals over their opponent's score, the weaker team has the option to either continue play under normal circumstances (counting all goals) or holding the existing score and playing out the remainder of the game as a "friendly". If such decision to play a "friendly" game has been made, teams can exchange players amongst each other in the name of Good Sportsmanship. Only AIS registered players are allowed to play in such game.

LEAGUE DIVISION TIES: Any league divisions ending in a tie at the end of the league season shall be governed by the following tie breaking system order:

1st Comparison - head to head record.

2nd Comparison – season goal differential

3rd Comparison – total goals for

4th Comparison – A tie-breaker game

League Division standings will only be used to help us to keep divisions balanced and play equal, as the top two teams in each lower division will be forced to relegate up in the next session, and bottom two teams will relegate down. Teams will be determined to be the same team at registration if at least 5 players on their roster are returning from the previous session. Teams do not have to start from the low division and relegate up, a team may directly register at any division by request, you know your abilities be honest.

LAWS OF THE GAME: The laws of the game followed at AIS are as set forth, unless otherwise specified.

The Ball

The ball is size 4 indoor for U12 and below and size 5 for all others. AIS will provide all game balls.

The Players

Number: Teams U12 and below shall have no fewer than 5 or more than 7 players on the field at a time, including a goalkeeper. For above U12, no fewer than 4 or more than 6 are allowed.

During an Overtime Period, team will play with the minimum number of players allowed

Substitutions:

Each team may substitute players freely; provided that:

(a) Players may enter the substitution box but may not be involved in play until their teammate has entered the substitution box to exit the field.

(b) Players who appear to be purposely interfering with play coming on or off the field will be blue-carded and the offending team will play a man down the allotted time.

(c) Goalkeepers may be substituted in the above manner, or the referee may be notified at any stoppage of the intent to substitute and he/she will give a reasonable amount of time for the substitution as long as the requesting team is in possession of the ball.

(d) Exceptions: players may substitute freely before a kick-off, if play is stopped for an injury, or for a prolonged stoppage.

The Players' Equipment

Players shall wear their team's uniform, consisting of the same color jerseys (teams listed first on scheduled will be required to bring a second uniform of a different color to prevent both teams from wearing the same color. Numbers are not mandatory but are suggested).

Indoor footwear only (no cleats).

Jewelry and other accessories are prohibited at the referee’s discretion.

The Goalkeeper wears jersey colors that contrast with all other field players

The Referee

The decisions of the Referee regarding facts connected with play and interpretations of the Rules are final.

The Duration of the Game

A regulation game consists of two 20 minute halves, and the
following:

(a) Overtime Period and Tiebreaker: If, in a tournament or playoff, the game is tied at the end of regulation, a 5-minute "sudden- death" Overtime Period follows. If the score is still tied a “tiebreaker” will take place as defined later under shootouts

(b) Running Clock: Except in the case of an unusual delay, determined by the Referee, the Game Clock counts down continuously through each Half or Overtime Period.

The Start and Restart of Play

A Kickoff from the Center Mark starts play at the beginning of each Half and after every goal. A player who starts play may not again touch the ball until it touches another player.

The Referee determines who takes the Kickoff for the First Half Kickoff and any Overtime Period

Restarts take place by either a Kickoff, Free Kick, Goalkeeper Throw-In, or Dropped Ball. Other than for Kickoffs or as provided below, Restarts occur within three yards from the spot of the ball at the moment of stoppage.

A team receives a Free Kick after stoppages other than when a Dropped Ball or Goalkeeper Throw-In is required. Before the team takes the Free Kick, the ball must be stationary. All opposing players are at least 9 feet from the spot of the Free Kick (or, if within 9 feet of the opponent's Goal, along the Goal Line). The spot of the Free Kick is that provided above, except:

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

(b) Delayed Penalty: (i) according to the ensuing stoppage, as normally administered,

or (ii) in case the defending team obtains possession of the ball during play, at the spot of

the original offense.

(c) Kick-In: from the point on the Touch Line nearest where the ball crossed over the Perimeter Wall.

(d) Three-Line Violation: will not be used by AIS.

(e) Superstructure Violation: from within three feet of the spot below where the ball hit the ceiling, unless inside the defending teams penalty area, in which case the restart will be taken from the nearest corner of the box.

If neither team has clear possession of the ball at a stoppage, the Referee restarts play with a Dropped Ball. A Dropped Ball caused while the ball is inside a Penalty Arch takes place at the Free Kick Mark.

The Ball In And Out Of Play

A Superstructure Violation occurs when the ball contacts any part of the building above the field of play. See restarts

Side netting is a playable surface. Should the ball go beyond the netting and off the field a kick in shall occur, see restarts

The Method of Scoring

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 Restart.

Fouls and Other Violations:

AIS will be using an accumulated team foul system. Each team will be allowed five fouls in a half. At the occurrence of the fifth foul by a team, and each subsequent foul thereafter, a shootout will be awarded, time penalties will start after the shootout occurs but the player will leave the field immediately.

A Foul occurs if a player:

(a) Holds an opponent;

(b) Handles the ball (except by the Goalkeeper within his Penalty Arch);

(c) Plays in a dangerous manner;

(d) Slide tackles;

(e) Impedes the progress of an opponent ("Obstruction"), or

(f) Prevents the Goalkeeper from releasing the ball from his hands;

and when a player commits the following in a manner that the Referee considers careless, serious, reckless, or involving excessive force:

(g) Kicks an opponent;

(h) Trips an opponent;

(i) Jumps at an opponent;

(j) Charges an opponent;

(k) Strikes or elbows an opponent; or

(l) Pushes an opponent.

Unsporting Behavior: A Free Kick results for the following offenses:

(a) Leverage: Using the body of a teammate or any part of the field to gain an
advantage;

(b) Encroachment: Entering the protected area of an opposing player taking a Free
Kick (after initial Warning);

(c) Dissent:       (i) Referee Abuse;

                            (ii) Breach of Penalty Area Decorum;

(d) Other: Behavior which, in the Referee's discretion, does not warrant another category of penalty (e.g., taunting, foul language.)

Goalkeeper Violations: The opposing team receives a Free Kick for the following violations by

a Goalkeeper:

(a) Illegal Handling: Bringing the ball from outside of the Penalty Arch to his hand within it, the result will be an indirect free kick from the spot where ball was handled.

(b) Pass Back: Handling the ball, having been passed deliberately and directly to him by a teammate; except that he may handle a ball which a teammate passes to him by the head, chest, or knee and without "trickery" (the use of a wall or foot to flick the ball to a
head, chest, or knee before making the pass); the result will be an indirect free kick from the spot where ball was handled.

(c) 5-Seconds: Controlling the ball with either his hand or foot inside of his Penalty Arch for over five (5) seconds. The result will be a direct free kick from the restart mark.

Team Violations: The Referee issues a Team Penalty for the following violations by a team or unidentified person:

(a) Leaving Team Bench: Players leave a Team Bench to join a fracas or confrontation with the opposition or a Game Official;

(b) Bench Dissent: After an initial "Warning," one or more unidentifiable players verbally abuse the Referee.

(c) Other: Unsporting Behavior, which, in the Referee's discretion, does not warrant another category of penalty. This includes fan disturbances.

Advantage Rule: The Referee allows play to continue, notwithstanding the commission of an offense, when the team against which it has been committed will benefit from an existing offensive advantage.

Flagrant Fouls: A Shootout is awarded for the following Fouls committed by a defender in his or her defensive half of the field:

(a) A Foul within the Penalty Arch or Goal for which he receives a Time Penalty;

(b) A Foul from behind against an attacking player, having control of the ball and one or no defensive players between himself and the Goal.

(c) Any Foul where he or she is the last player on the team between the attacking player with the ball and the Goal.

Blue Card Offenses: Unless otherwise provided below, the Referee issues a Blue Card for serious Fouls and for:

(a) Deliberate Handball or Handball by a Goalkeeper;

(b) Goalkeeper Endangerment;

(c) Boarding;

(d) Unsporting Behavior by a player; and

(e) Team Violations.

(f) Slide Tackles or going to ground to dispossess the ball from another player

Cautionable Offenses: The Referee issues a Yellow Card for reckless Fouls and offenses described directly above, and for the following:

(a) Second Blue Card;

(b) Unsporting Behavior by any non-player personnel;

(c) Provoking Altercation: Making physical contact with an opponent (e.g., pushing or poking), short of fighting, or using the ball in so doing.

Ejectionable Offenses: A person receives a Red Card for Fouls and offenses described directly above, which the Referee considers violent or use of excessive force, and for:

(a) Third-Time Penalty;

(b) Elbowing: Intentionally elbowing an opponent above the shoulder;

(c) Vicious Slide Tackling: A tackle from the side or from behind directly into one or both legs of an opponent, seriously endangering him;

(d) Fighting;

(e) Leaving Team Bench or Penalty Area to engage in a fracas or confrontation with the opposition or a Game Official;

(f) Extreme Unsporting Behavior: Committing particularly despicable behavior, including:

(i) Spitting at an opponent or any other person;

(ii) Persistent use of extremely abusive or derogatory language or behavior toward a Game Official or another player;

(iii) Bodily contact with a Game Official in dissent.

Time Penalties

The following penalties apply to offenses for which a Card is issued (subject to further action by the arena management team, please see red card policy above):

(a) Blue Card: 2-minutes

(b) Yellow Card: 2-minutes for a second carded offense and 4-minutes (2 + 2) for a straight Yellow;

(c) Red Card: 2-minutes (for accumulation) or 5-minutes (other), plus ejection.

Card Accumulation:       2 blue cards equals a yellow

3 blue cards equals a red

1 blue and 1 yellow equals a red

Players are designated by their teams to serve Time Penalties of their team, their Goalkeeper, non-player personnel, and of teammates who receive Red Cards. Otherwise, the person who commits a carded offense serves the penalty. Players serving Time Penalties serve their Time Penalties, seated, until their expiration and the Referee permits their release.

Goalkeepers committing a foul that warrants a yellow or red card will serve the penalties themselves a designated player may serve a blue, another player may play as keeper but the team will still play a man down.

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.

Exceptions: Under the following circumstances, Time Penalties either expire prior to their completed countdown, or have the beginning of their countdowns delayed:

(a) 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, and the player's Penalty or Penalties are wiped out. If the team has two players in the Penalty Area, only the player whose Time Penalty or Penalties are recorded earlier is affected.

(b) Multiple Penalties: If two teammates are serving Time Penalties when another teammate is penalized, 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.

(c) Simultaneous Ejections: When two simultaneous Red Cards carrying the same Time Penalties are assessed to opposing players, their Time Penalties are not served.

(d) 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.

(e) End of Game: All Time Penalties carry over between periods and expire at the end of the game.

Delayed Penalty: In instances where the Referee would issue a Blue Card or a Yellow Card, but for the Advantage Rule, he acknowledges the offense by holding the Card above his head until the earlier to occur of the following:

(a) Opponent's Possession: The team of the offending player gains control of the ball;

(b) Stoppage: The Referee stops play for any reason.
Once play is stopped, the offense is recorded and assessed, as customary. In the event of a powerplay goal, the Time Penalty is not served and the provisions above regarding early release from the Penalty Area remain applicable.

Shootouts and Penalty Kicks

Shootout: For a Shootout:

(a) Any player may take the Shootout;

(b) All players serving Time Penalties are seated in their appropriate Penalty Area. All players except the shooter and the defending Goal keeper stand behind the halfway line, attacking players may not stand inside the circle.;

(c) The ball is placed at the at the edge of the halfway circle nearer the Goal;

(d) The Goalkeeper has at least one foot on his Goal Line and may not move off of it until after the Referee whistles the Shootout to begin;

(e) Once the Referee whistles the Shootout to begin, the ball is "in play" and the player taking the Shootout plays the ball.

Penalty Kick: AIS will not use penalty kicks.

Tiebreaker: A Tiebreaker proceeds by Shootouts, except that:

(a) The Referee designates the Goal at which both teams shoot and the team which shoots first (according to administrative policy);

(b) All players, other than the player taking the shot and the defending Goalkeeper, remain within their Team Bench areas;

(c) Both teams have up to 3 shots, with players from each team kicking alternately;

(d) If, at any time, a team obtains a 2-goal advantage, the Tiebreaker ceases and the winner is declared;

(e) If, after both teams have taken 3 shots, neither has an advantage, the Tiebreaker continues, alternating one player at a time, until both teams have taken an equal number of shots and one team has scored when the other has not;

(f) The player has 5 seconds to score after the Referee's whistle.

SPECIAL CO-ED SOCCER RULES

There must be at least 1 female on the field at all times, excluding the goalkeeper. Exception to the rule will be A) if a female is serving a two-minute penalty or B) A team plays down one player with only two females or C) a females gets injured.

A female player may score at any location of the field.

No more than three males on the field at least 1 woman.

Minimum number of players to start a match is four.

Minimum number of female to start a match is one.

NO more than three men will be on the field at any time, not counting the goalie

In coed games goals scored by female are worth 2 goals.

There will be a three point cap for any player in co-ed divisions outside of advanced or division 1 play.
SPECIAL YOUTH SOCCER RULES

If a team is up by more than five goals, goals from inside the penalty area will not be allowed. If a team is up by 5 and scores inside the area, it results in a free kick for the opposing team.

ABQ Indoor Soccer 5110 Copper Ave. NE Albuquerque, NM 87108 505-850-8996