UNC CHARLOTTE INTRAMURALS 6v6 SOCCER RULES National Federation of High School (NFHS) Soccer Rules will be used with UNC Charlotte modifications. Rules changes for the 2018-2019 season are highlighted in grey. RULE ONE: THE GAME, FIELD, PLAYERS Section One. General Provisions A. Eligibility 1. This activity will be conducted according to standard eligibility rules as set forth in the current UNC Charlotte Participants Guide to Intramural Sports. 2. Participants must be listed on their respective team rosters prior to participating, sign risk and liability waiver and must show their UNC Charlotte ID Card prior to entering a game. 3. The participation by an ineligible player will subject the offending team to forfeiture of the game in which the ineligible player participated, and possibility of the team being removed from the league. 4. Any Soccer Club members must always play in the Competitive Leagues. a. Teams shall be permitted to have no more than 2 soccer club sport players on their roster. B. Players 1. The game shall be played between two teams consisting of six players each. 5 field players and 1 goalkeeper. 2. A team may begin a game with a minimum of 4 players. 3 field players and 1 goalkeeper. 3. Team representatives (players, substitutes, coaches, trainers, and other persons affiliated with the team) are subject to the rules of the game and shall be governed by decisions of officials assigned to the game. C. Defaults/Forfeits 1. If a team is unable to make a game they can submit a Default Form in the info section of the given sport on IMLEAGUES.com by 3:00pm for weekday games. For a Saturday or Sunday games, Default Forms will be accepted by 5:00pm on Fridays. The team will receive a loss for the game but will maintain a 3 sportsmanship rating for that game. 2. If a team is given the forfeit penalty. The forfeit fee is $15 and can be paid on IMLEAGUES in info section of the given sport on IMLEAGUES.com D. Inclement Weather (Revised July 2018) 1. The decision to play scheduled games threatened by bad weather will be communicated through an IMLEAGUES email/update. 2. Cancellations: a) If a 4v4/6v6 Volleyball match is cancelled for any reason and the game has not begun, the game will possibly be rescheduled to the best of our ability during the regular season. If not, the game will result in a tie with a sportsmanship of a 4. NO RESCHEDULES will be done during playoffs except if the school/facility closes down for any reason and the discretion of the Coordinator of Intramural Sports and the Assistant Director of Intramural Sports. If the rescheduled game has been played the score and sportsmanship rating will change. b) If the game has begun and it is cancelled before it is considered a complete game (A complete game in 4v4 & 6v6 Volleyball is after the completion of the first match) the result of the game will be determined by the score at the end of the half. c) If the game has begun and it is canceled before the game is completed, but AFTER it is considered a complete game the score and sportsmanship rating will stand at the point the game was ended. E. Sportsmanship Rating (Revised July 2018) The Intramural Sports Program expects all participants, captains, and spectators to conduct themselves in a sportsmanlike manner before, during, and after the completion of a game or event. In order to be eligible for the playoffs, a team must have an overall sportsmanship rating of at least 3.5 at the end of the regular season. The Intramural Sports department reserves the right to immediately remove any team and/or player(s) for sportsmanship actions deemed inappropriate at any time regardless of sportsmanship grade. Following the game, University Recreation Staff evaluate and issue sportsmanship points to all teams. This rating system applies to all Participants which is defined as any team/player(s)/fan(s). The guideline of points is as follows:
Six-A-Side Soccer Rules - Page 2 5- Excellent Conduct and Sportsmanship - Players cooperate fully with the officials and other team members. The captain calmly converses with officials about rule interpretations and calls. The captain also has full control of his/her teammates. Teams that win by forfeit will receive a 5. 4- Good Conduct and Sportsmanship Team members verbally complain about some decisions made by the officials and/ or show minor dissension, which may or may not merit a yellow card (soccer), unsportsmanlike flag (flag football), technical foul (basketball). Teams that receive 1 yellow card, unsportsmanlike flag or technical foul will receive no higher than a 4 rating. 3- Average Conduct and Sportsmanship Team shows verbal dissent towards officials and/or the opposing team, which may or may not merit a yellow card, unsportsmanlike flag or technical foul. Captain exhibits minor control over his/her teammates, but is in control with himself/herself. Teams receiving multiple yellow cards, unsportsmanlike flags or technical fouls will receive no higher than a 3 rating. 2- Below Average Conduct and Sportsmanship Teams constantly comment to the officials and/or the opposing team from the field and/or the sidelines. The team captain exhibits little or no control over teammates and/ or himself/herself. A team which receives one red card or ejection can receive no higher than a 2 rating. 1- Poor Conduct and Sportsmanship Team is completely uncooperative. Captain has no control of teammates, and/ or himself/herself. A team which receives multiple ejections can receive no higher than a 1 rating. 0- Unacceptable Conduct and Sportsmanship --Individuals/teams participated after the consumption of alcohol or drugs. If the game has begun when discovered, the player or players will be immediately removed from the facility, and the game will be forfeited to the opponent. Participant(s) threatened (verbal or non-verbal) a University Recreation employee or participant/spectator during or after the game. Team members failed to cooperate with Intramural Sports Program staff while performing their duties or falsely represented or withheld any information requested. Any team that receives an "Unacceptable Conduct and Sportsmanship" rating must have their captain meet with the Coordinator for Intramural Sports to determine their team s eligibility to play their next game. During playoffs, Intramural Sports Staff will determine if a team advances to the next game. If there are any sportsmanship related problems in a game the Intramural Sports Assistant Director and/or Coordinator reserve the right to remove a team. All decisions will be made as soon as possible and are final. Further explanation of decisions will be by appointment from the team captain, but will not affect or change outcome of decision. Section Two. The Field. A. The Playing Area 1. The playing area is 60 yards in length and 40 yards in width. 2. An 18 yd. area in both ends of the field, that stretches the width of the field, will take the place of the 18 yd. boxes. There are no goalie boxes. 3. Teams shall stand on opposite sides of the fields. Teams may not occupy the same sideline. If teams disagree as to what sideline they will stand on, the Home team will choose the sideline. Section Three. The Equipment. A. The Ball 1. The ball shall be a leather, size 5, soccer ball. 2. Teams may use their own ball as long as both teams agree, or a ball will be provided by Intramural Sports. B. Jerseys 1. Players of opposing teams wear contrasting colored jerseys numbered on the front and/or rear. Jerseys can be numbered with any whole number, 0-99. No team may have a 0 and a 00. 2. All jerseys must be the same type as the entire team, excluding goalies. If the whole team fails to all have similar jerseys they will be required to wear Intramural Pennies. 3. Goalkeepers must wear a contrasting colored jersey from his/her teammates. 4. Goalkeepers cannot wear the same color as the opposing team. 5. No team members may share jerseys. 6. The jerseys will be provided by the Intramural Sports department if a team cannot provide their own. 7. Teams may not have the same color or similar shade of jersey. In this case, the visiting team must wear the Intramural Pennies. C. Players 1. All must wear athletic shoes. Soccer cleats may be worn, but metal cleats or metal tips are not allowed. 2. Shin guards are highly recommended, but not required.
Six-A-Side Soccer Rules - Page 3 3. Other types of equipment or substances which will be declared illegal include: jewelry, headgear, any slippery sticky foreign substance on any equipment or exposed part of the body, and any equipment which includes computers or any electronic or mechanical devices (i.e. bullhorns) for communication. a. Medical Alert Bracelets acceptable 4. Knee and ankle braces which are altered from the manufacture s original design/production. NOTE: Knee and ankle braces that are unaltered do not require any additional padding. RULE TWO: PLAY, TIME FACTORS, and SUBSTITUTES Section One. Start of Play and Ball In and Out of Play A. Coin Toss 1. The referee shall pick a number, odd or even, to determine choice of ball or which goal to defend. 2. The captain winning the toss will have the option of which goal to defend or first possession of the ball. 3. The losers of the toss will be given the remaining choice, which is what end to defend. B. Kickoff 1. Each half will begin with a kickoff by the team decided by the coin toss. 2. All other opponents must be 5 yards away from the ball, and on their respective half of the field. 3. The ball is kicked and clearly moves in any direction. If the kickoff is taken improperly it must be retaken. 4. After a goal is scored, the team giving up the goal will be given a kickoff. 5. A goal can be scored off of a kickoff. C. After temporary suspension of play 1. After any unusual situation where a team is clearly in possession of the ball, an indirect free kick will be awarded to that team. 2. If there is no clear possession by one team, there will be a drop ball at the spot where the ball was declared dead. Exception: A drop ball cannot be awarded inside the 18 yard area, it must be dropped at the nearest point outside the penalty area. D. THERE WILL BE NO OFFSIDES AT ANY TIME. E. Scoring 1. In order to be a goal, the ball must pass completely over and be clear of the goal line between the posts and under the crossbar. ON THE LINE IS NOT OVER THE LINE. 2. It is the position of the ball that counts, not where the goalkeeper is standing. Section Two. Game Time. A. Playing Time and Intermission 1. The game shall be of 40 minutes duration, divided into two 20 minute periods. 2. There are no timeouts. 3. The clock will run continuously except for: a. Injury b. Intentionally playing the ball out-of-bounds (referee judgment) c. Referee time out B. Score Board 1. The scoreboard clock will NOT stop at 2:00 left in the first half and second half. The clock will keep going. C. Timing Errors 1. The referee shall have the authority to correct obvious timing errors. D. Tie Game (Playoffs only) - Games will end in a tie during regular season play. 1. In case a game ends in a tie, the officials must bring both captains to the center of the field and discuss all tie-breaker procedures, prior to the coin toss. 2. Following the meeting, the Referee will choose odd or even determine the options as in the start of the game. 3. A 5-minute overtime period will be played to try and break the tie. The Team leading at the end of the period will be declared the winner. Note: Golden Goal will not be played during overtime. 4. If a tie still remains following the 5-minute overtime, alternate penalty kicks shall be used to determine a winner. a. Only those players on the field when the second half ends are eligible to shoot penalty kicks in the tiebreaker. b. Each team will declare their initial 3 players and the order they will shoot. Of these 3 players, in Co-Rec play, at least one player must be a female. c. An odd/even choice by the captains will determine which team shoots first, the other captain chooses a goal. Teams will alternate shots staying at the same goal the entire shoot-out. d. If the game is still tied, 3 different players from each team will take 1 penalty shot each.
Six-A-Side Soccer Rules - Page 4 e. If a tie still remains, these 6 players from each team will shoot alternately until one team has one more goals in the same number of kicks. Section Three. Substitutions. A. Either team may substitute under the following circumstances: 1. Before a kick-off to start a game, between halves or after any goal 2. Before a Goal Kick 3. When a player receives a yellow card (cautioned players must be replaced until at least the next legal substitution opportunity) 4. In the event of an injury B. Only the team with the ball may substitute in these following situations 1. Their own corner kick 2. Their own throw-in EXCEPTION: If the team in possession of the ball chooses to substitute, the opposing team may substitute at that time. C. A substitute must report to the official, and cannot enter the game until recognized by the referee. D. Goalkeeper substitutes must be reported and approved by the referee. RULE THREE: FREE KICKS AND PENALTY KICKS Section One. Free Kicks. A. Direct Free Kicks 1. Are awarded: a. If a player attempts to kick or strike at an opponent, b. If a player trips an opponent. c. If a goalkeeper attempts to strike or push an opponent with the ball, d. If a player, other than the goalkeeper in his or her own penalty area, intentionally handles the ball, e. If a player pushes an opponent with the hand(s) or arm(s) extended from the body, f. If a player holds an opponent or places a hand(s) on an opponent in an effort to reach the ball, g. If a player charges an opponent in a violent or dangerous manner, h. If a player charges an opponent who has both feet off the ground in order to play the ball or, i. If a player charges into the goalkeeper. B. Indirect Free Kicks 1. Are awarded and taken from the point of infraction: a. If a player fairly charges into an opponent when neither is within playing distance of the ball. b. If a player, not in possession of the ball obstructs an opponent who is attempting to play the ball, c. If a player kicks or attempts to kick the ball while it is in the possession of the goalkeeper, d. For dangerous play, e. If the goalkeeper takes more than 6 seconds before releasing the ball, f. If the goalkeeper uses their hands to touch a ball that was intentionally played back to him/her by a teammate s foot, g. If the goalkeeper illegally handles the ball while in his/her own penalty area after once relinquishing possession of the ball, h. If the goalkeeper delays in relinquishing possession of the ball or, i. If the game is stopped for misconduct of a player and no other restart takes precedence j. If the goalkeeper touches the ball from a throw-in from his/her own teammate k. Spitting at a teammate or game official 2. The following indirect free kicks are taken from where the ball was when the referee stopped play: a. If a player, coach, or bench personnel enters or leaves the field of play without official's permission. b. For temporary suspension of play for an injury or unusual situation and one team has clear possession of the ball or c. If the game is stopped because of misconduct by a person in the team area. C. How Taken 1. Players opposing the kicker shall be at least 5 yards from the ball until it is kicked, unless they are standing on their own goal line between the goalposts. If the free kick is awarded to the defending team in its penalty area, players opposing the kicker shall be outside the penalty area in addition to being 5 yards from the ball and must remain there until the ball clears the penalty area. Penalty: An official shall caution a player who fails to move the required distance away from the ball. 2. The ball shall be kicked while it is stationary on the ground at the spot specified by the official. The ball shall be moved in any direction. If the free kick is awarded to the defending team in its penalty area, the ball is not in play until it is beyond the penalty area and into the field of play. Failure to kick the ball as specified shall result in a re-kick.
Six-A-Side Soccer Rules - Page 5 3. After the free kick, the ball may be played by any player except the one who executed the free kick. The kicker may not play the ball until it has been touched or played by another player 4. Indirect free kicks inside the penalty area will be taken no closer than 10 yards from the goal line. Any penalty committed inside of 10 yards from the goal line will be moved back at the referee s discretion. Section Two. Penalty Kicks. A. Penalty Kicks 1. A penalty kick shall be awarded when a foul, which ordinarily results in the awarding of a direct free kick occurs within the offending team s penalty area. 2. All players except the kicker and the opposing goalkeeper shall be within the field of play but outside the penalty area and at least 5 yards from the penalty kick line until the ball is kicked. 3. The opposing goalkeeper shall stand on the goal line and can move laterally before the ball is kicked. PENALTY: Encroachment by the defending team is not penalized if the goal is scored; if a goal is not scored on the penalty kick, it is retaken. If there is an infringement by the attacking team and the ball enters the goal, the goal does not count and the kick shall be retaken. If there is an infringement by the attacking team and the ball does not go into the goal, there is no re-kick, and an indirect free kick will be taken from the point of the infraction. If the ball is saved and held by the goalkeeper, play shall continue. In cases where players from both teams are guilty of infringements, the kick shall be retaken regardless of the outcome of the kick. 4. The ball shall be kicked while it is stationary on the ground from any spot on the penalty kick line. The ball shall be moved forward. Failure to kick the ball as specified shall result in a re-kick. 5. After the penalty kick, the ball may be played by any player except the one who executed the penalty kick. The kicker may not play the ball until it has been played by another player on either team. PENALTY: Indirect free kick awarded to the opponents from the spot of the foul. 6. If the ball touches the goalkeeper before passing between the goalpost, when a penalty kick is taken at or after the expiration of time, it does not nullify any goal. If necessary, play may be extended so that the penalty kick may be taken. If a penalty kick is taken after the expiration of time, only the kicker may play the ball (once) with the goalkeeper in place. RULE FOUR: THROW-INS, GOAL KICKS, AND CORNER KICKS Section One. Throw Ins. A. A throw-in shall be awarded to a team when the opposing team last touches or plays the ball before the entire ball passes beyond the touchline either in the air or on the ground. B. If a player is inbounds and plays a ball beyond the touchline, the ball is out-of bounds. A player may be out-of bounds, however, and legally play a ball which is on the field of play. C. The ball shall be thrown in any direction from the point where it crossed the touchline by a player who is facing the field of play and has both feet on the ground and behind the touchline. The thrower shall use both hands with equal force and shall deliver the ball from behind and over the head in one continuous movement. If the ball fails to enter the field of play, it shall be awarded to the opponent. PENALTY: Throw-in awarded to the opponents from the spot of the foul. D. An opponent shall not interfere with nor in any way impede the actions of the thrower while the throw-in is being taken. E. On a throw-in, the ball is playable when it has left the hands of the thrower and any part of it breaks the plane of the touchline. After the throw-in, the ball may be played by either team. The thrower may not play the ball until it has been touched or played by another player. PENALTY: Indirect free kick awarded to the opponents from the spot of the infraction. Section Two. Goal Kicks A. A goal kick throw shall be awarded to the defending team when the entire ball crosses the goal line, excluding the portion between the goalpost and under the crossbar, either in the air or on the ground, having last been touched or played by the attacking team. B. Players opposing the kicker shall remain outside the penalty area until the ball has cleared the penalty area. C. The kick shall clear the penalty area and enter the field of play. If the ball is not kicked beyond the penalty area, the kick shall be repeated. D. After the goal kicks leaves the penalty area, the ball may be played by any player except the one who executes the goal kick. The kick may not play the ball until it has been touched by another player. E. A goal may be scored directly off a kick by the goalie.
Six-A-Side Soccer Rules - Page 6 Section Three. Corner Kicks. A. A corner kick shall be awarded to the attacking team when the entire ball passes over the goal line, excluding that portion between the goalpost and under the crossbar, either in the air or on the ground, having last been touched or played by the defending team. B. Players of the defending team shall be at least 5 yards from the ball until it has been kicked. C. The ball shall be kicked from the ground within the quarter circle nearest where the ball left the field of play. The ball shall be moved at least forward before it is in play. Failure to kick the ball as specified shall result in a re-kick. D. After the corner kick, the ball may be played by any player except the one whom executed the corner kick. The kicker may not play the ball until it has been touched or played by another player. PENALTY: Indirect free kick awarded to the opponent from the spot of the foul. RULE FIVE: FOULS AND MISCONDUCT Section One. Restrictions on the Goalkeeper. A. From the moment the goalkeeper takes control of the ball with the hands when playing as a goalkeeper within his/her own penalty area, the goalkeeper is to be penalized if he/she takes more than six seconds while the ball is in his possession. This includes holding, bouncing, or throwing the ball in the air and catching it again, without releasing it into play, or having released it into play before, during, or, after the six seconds. Once the ball has been released into play, the goalkeeper may not touch it again with the hands until it has been played or touched by another player of the same team outside of the penalty area, or by a player of the opposing team either inside or outside of the penalty area. B. A goalkeeper shall not intentionally deflect the ball and then touch it again with his/her hands before it has been played or touched by another player or the same team outside of the penalty area, or by a player or the opposing team either inside or outside of the penalty area. C. On any occasion when a player deliberately kicks, or in any way passes, the ball to his/her own goalkeeper, the goalkeeper is not permitted to touch it with his/her hands. D. A goalkeeper in possession of the ball shall not indulge in tactics which, in the opinion of the referee, are designed to waste time and thus give an unfair advantage to his/her own team. PENALTY: Indirect free kick from the spot of the infraction. E. A goal may be scored directly off a throw-in by the goalie. F. After a goalie save, no punts or drop kicks are allowed. Section Two. Kicking-Striking-Tripping-Jumping. A. NO SLIDE TACKLING ALLOWED. B. A player shall not intentionally attempt to or kick, strike, or jump at an opponent C. A player shall not intentionally trip an opponent. This includes tripping or attempting to trip an opponent by use of the legs, or by stopping in front or behind an opponent in such a manner as to cause a fall or loss of balance. C. A goalkeeper shall not intentionally strike or attempt to strike an opponent by throwing the ball at an opponent or by pushing an opponent with the ball while holding it. PENALTY: Direct free kick. Section Three. Handling. A. Definition- Deliberately playing the ball with one s arm. The hand or arm must move toward the ball or the hand or arm must be carried in an unnatural position before an infraction of the rule can be charged. B. A player shall be penalized for intentionally handling, carrying, striking, or propelling the ball with a hand or arm. PENALTY: Direct free kick. Section Four. Holding, Pushing. A. A player shall not hold or push an opponent with the hand(s) or arm(s) extended from the body. B. A player shall not place a hand(s) on an opponent in an effort to reach the ball. PENALTY: Direct free kick Section Five. Charging. A. A player shall not intentionally charge an opponent unfairly. An unfair charge is one in which a player does not use shoulder-to-shoulder contact with an opponent and/or does not have arms and elbows close to his/her body, and/or does not have at least one foot on the ground, when the ball is not being played, and the charge is done in a dangerous manner. B. A fair charge is allowed and is one in which a player makes non-violent shoulder-to-shoulder contact with an opponent, with the arms and elbows close to the body, at least one foot on the ground, and the ball within playing distance.
Six-A-Side Soccer Rules - Page 7 C. A player having one or both feet on the ground shall not charge into an opponent who has both feet off the ground. D. A player shall not charge into the goalkeeper in the penalty area unless the goalkeeper is obstructing the player or dribbling the ball with the feet. 1. An official shall disqualify, without caution, any player who flagrantly fouls the goalkeeper in possession of the ball. 2. Possession or control of the ball includes when the goalkeeper has the ball trapped by either or both hands or when bouncing it to the ground or when releasing the ball into play. 3. Outside the penalty area, the goalkeeper has no more privileges than any other player does. PENALTY: Direct free kick [A, C and disqualification for D-1]. E. A player shall not charge into an opponent when neither player is within playing distance of the ball. PENALTY: Indirect free kick. Section Six. Obstruction. A. Obstruction is the intentional act by a player, not in possession of the ball of not attempting to play the ball, or running between an opponent and the ball or using the body as an obstacle. B. The goalkeeper in possession of the ball shall not be interfered with or impeded in any manner by an opponent. This includes the act of bouncing the ball or attempting to throw the ball or tossing the ball in the air to re-catch. PENALTY: Indirect free kick C. A player not attempting to play the ball, but remaining between the ball and an opponent, may be legally charged from behind provided the charge is not violent or dangerous and the ball is within playing distance. Section Seven. Dangerous Play. A. A player shall not participate in dangerous play, which is an act an official considers likely to cause injury to any player. This includes playing in such a manner which could cause injury to self or another player (opponent or teammate). PENALTY: Indirect free kick Section Eight. Misconduct. A. A player, coach, or bench personnel shall be cautioned (yellow card) for: 1. Entering or leaving the field of play (except through the normal course of play) without the permission of an official. 2. Persistent infringement of any of the rules of the game. 3. Objection by word of mouth or action to any decision given by an official (dissent). 4. Intentional handling of the ball in an attempt to prevent a goal, however a goal was still scored. 5. Unsportsmanlike conduct 6. Any incidental use of vulgar or profane language. PENALTY: A cautioned player shall be substituted for immediately and not return until the next legal substitution opportunity. B. A player, coach, or bench personnel in the team area shall be disqualified (red card) for: 1. Exhibiting violent conduct or committing a serious foul play. 2. Using foul or abusive language. 3. Intentional handling of the ball that directly prevents a goal from being scored. 4. Being cautioned a second time in the same game. C. A player, coach, or bench personnel who is disqualified shall leave the vicinity of the playing area immediately and is prohibited from any further contact, direct, or indirect, with the team during the remainder of the game. Failure to comply shall result in termination of the game. PENALTY: Indirect free kick from the spot of the ball, unless the game has been stopped for some other reason which calls for a different re-start. D. A disqualified player cannot be replaced. Section Nine. Team Caution. A. A team caution is disciplinary action facing an entire team as a result of a violation(s) by a player(s) of that team. It is given at the discretion of the official at the time of cautioning a player. B. A team caution may only be issued for persistent infringement of the following: 1. Encroachment on free kicks. 2. Intentional handballs by the defense to stop an attack.
Six-A-Side Soccer Rules - Page 8 3. Unnecessary delay (kicking/throwing the ball away on an opponent s free kick, etc.) C. The procedure for issuing a team caution is as follows: 1. The official shall stop the clock and stop play. 2. A caution (yellow card) shall be given the player committing the violation. 3. The official shall notify the team captain a team caution is being issued to the team, and if any player commits that same foul, that player shall be immediately disqualified. 4. The team captain shall be instructed to inform the team members of the team caution, the official allowing time for the captain to do so. 5. The official shall inform both coaches, the scorer and the other official(s) of the team caution before restarting play. 6. NO SLIDE TACKLING ALLOWED. Co-Rec Play Modifications A. Players: 1. The game shall be played between two teams consisting of 6 players each. 5 field players and 1 goalkeeper. Co-Rec teams consist of 3 men and 3 women. 2. A team may begin a game with a minimum of four players, 2 men and 2 women. Teams may also begin play with 5 players (3 men and 2 women, or 2 men and 3 women). 3. Once the game has started teams may play with any number of players. If the number of players is even, the ratio of male/female must be the same. If the number of players is odd, one gender may not outnumber the other gender by more than one. B. All goals, whether scored by a male or female, are worth 1.