STRIKERS INDOOR FOOTBALL
RULE BOOK
These rules are applicable to all users of Strikers Indoor Football. By making a booking to use the facility you are confirming acceptance and adherence to all the rules listed below.
DURATION OF PITCH HIRE
Each pitch let will commence at the booked starting time and will last for a maximum of 55 minutes. No extension of this time slot will be given for team late arrival or injuries to any players. Pitch must be vacated immediately on completion of the 55 minute slot.
PLAYERS EQUIPMENT
- Shin guards are strongly recommended for all players and must be completely covered by socks.
- Strikers recommend moulded sole football boots or Astro moulded training shoes be worn. The wearing of metal studded football boots (including metal tipped blades) is strictly prohibited. All playing footwear must be clean (mud free).
- No jewellery, watches or hats to be worn during a game.
- The facility manager can order a player to remove any unauthorised or dangerous equipment.
MISCELLANEOUS
Children must be accompanied by an adult and supervised at all times
No alcoholic beverages allowed on the premises. Anyone suspected of consuming alcohol or illegal substance during or prior to using the facility will be removed from the pitch and/or bench area and, depending on conduct, the premises. Suspension from the facility will be dictated by the facility manager.
Spitting anywhere within the facility is prohibited and may lead to the individual being banned from further use of the facility.
Any player bleeding from a wound must leave the field of play. He can only return once the bleeding has stopped and any open wound has been covered by a suitable covering.
No chewing gum allowed on or near the pitch.
Only water allowed on or near the pitch area
REFEREED GAMES (NON LEAGUE)
DURATION
Games will consist of two equal halves of 25 minutes. The clock will begin running at game time.
The referee may call an official’s time out for an injury or any unusual circumstance.
PLAYERS EQUIPMENT
- Every out field player in a team in a refereed game must wear the same colour jersey. In the event of a colour conflict between opposing teams bibs must be worn. Strikers can provide bibs if required.
- Goalkeepers jersey colour must be different to that of his out field team mates.
- Shin guards are strongly recommended for all players and must be completely covered by socks.
- Strikers recommend moulded sole football boots or Astro moulded training shoes be worn. The wearing of metal studded football boots is strictly prohibited. All playing footwear must be clean (mud free).
- No jewellery, watches or hats to be worn during a game.
- The referee or timekeeper can order a player to remove any unauthorised or dangerous equipment.
PROTESTS
A protest or complaint on any matter must be submitted in writing within 7 days to the facility manager.
STRIKERS INDOOR FOOTBALL
LEAGUE RULE BOOK
All our leagues are currently male only leagues. Co-ed and ladies leagues are not running at the moment due to lack of interest.
These rules are applicable to all users of Strikers Indoor Football. By making a booking to use the facility you are confirming acceptance and adherence to all the rules listed below.
Should any player wish to change teams during a season he must complete the appropriate forms and cannot then change back to his original team.
Players may only play for two teams in one night in exceptional circumstances and with the express prior consent of strikers management
TEAM REGISTRATION
Before participating in any games at Strikers Indoor Football all teams must complete and submit a team registration form. This team registration form will include details of the chosen name of the team, the coaches’ name and contact details, as well as the names and dates of birth of all players wishing to be registered on the team.
All league teams must complete weekly registration sheet prior to kick off
Any player found to be playing whilst unregistered will be issued an immediate one match ban.
All players must be registered with both christian and surname – anyone listed with only christian or surname or nickname will be considered unregistered.
Full payment of league must be made prior to kick off.
PLAYER ELIGIBILITY
Management may request ID on a player at anytime, to verify age and/or identity. A team using an ineligible player may forfeit all games where that player played and the player will be suspended for up to 1 year.
You must be at least sixteen (16) years of age to play in the adult leagues.
PLAYER IDENTIFICATION
Documents for verification of age or identification can be one or more of the following: Drivers License, Passport, or birth certificate. A copy of a Birth Certificate requires an additional piece of identification. If a formal protest is made, it is the team’s responsibility to re-verify the age and/or identity of the player. If that player can no longer provide proof, that team forfeits every game the offending player participated in. Any participant that is discovered to have lied about their identity or age to play in any league will be suspended for a minimum of 1 year. All fees paid by any suspended players are non-refundable.
NUMBER OF PLAYERS
5-a-side games:
A team may have a maximum of four outfield players and a designated goal-keeper on the pitch at any one time (handicap scoring notwithstanding). A team can start a game with a minimum of 2 players and a keeper but will forfeit if it then loses a player to penalty or injury.
6-a-side games
A team may have a maximum of five outfield players and a designated goal-keeper on the pitch at any one time (handicap scoring notwithstanding). A team can start a game with a minimum of 3 players and a keeper but will forfeit if it then loses a player to penalty or injury
DURATION OF GAMES
Games will consist of two equal halves of 25 minutes. The clock will begin running at game time
The referee may call an official’s time out for an injury or any unusual circumstance. The only instance when regulation time will be extended is insufficient time on the clock to conduct a shootout. In that case the attacking team will be permitted to take the penalty with a single shot (no run up or rebounds allowed). Balls must be off the field immediately after the Referee calls for them.
Teams failing to show for a fixture at their allocated kick off time will forfeit 1 goal for every 5 minutes up to and including 15 minutes. Any team failing to show for a fixture after 15 minutes of kick off will forfeit the match 5-0 and be due all applicable match fees.
PLAYERS EQUIPMENT
No jewellery, watches or hats to be worn during a game. Eye studs MUST be removed.
The referee or timekeeper can order a player to remove any unauthorised or dangerous equipment.
No metal studs, metal blades, or metal tipped blades allowed – moulded studs, Astro turf trainers or rubber blades are all acceptable
Glasses are not permitted whilst playing under any circumstances
Every outfield player must wear the same colour of jersey. In the event of a colour conflict bibs will be issued.
Goalkeepers jersey must be different to that of his outfield players
BALL
Strikers will furnish all game balls.
HANDICAP SYSTEM
In an effort to promote competition the following handicap system is in operation.
If a team is losing by more than three goals (ie 4-0 5-1 etc) they may bring on an extra outfield player until such times as the deficit is reduced to less than four goals. Should any team fall more than seven goals behind they will be allowed to bring on a second additional outfield player until the seven goal deficit is restored. A team will only be allowed a maximum of two extra players.
KICKOFF
The kick-off does not have to go forward. Players may not cross the half way line until the ball is kicked.
FREE KICKS
In indoor soccer every free kick is a direct kick. A goal may be scored directly from a free kick.
For all kick restarts:
The defender must provide a minimum of 3 yards ( 5 a side) for the taking of a free kick.
If the Referee asks a defensive player for distance from the restart and the player does not immediately comply, a player will be cautioned and a yellow card awarded.
FOULS
Boarding, tripping, striking, kicking, holding, pushing, charging or jumping at, handling the ball, and dangerous play are all fouls. Every 6th foul is a penalty. The foul count carries over from the 1st half to the 2nd half. No substitution is allowed at the time of a sixth foul shoot-out – only those players on the field at the time the shoot-out is called may participate.
DISSENT TOWARDS A GAME OFFICIAL
Any player or non-player who touches, physically contacts, verbally abuses or threatens a game official or facility staff member shall be guilty of violent conduct and subject to strikers disciplinary procedure.
OUT OF PLAY RESTART
The ball is out of play if it touches any area of the netting or any part of the roof framework.
When the ball touches the netting above the boards or enters the substitute’s area, play is restarted by the opposing team with a free kick. The ball is placed 3 feet from the wall and the team taking the restart has 5 seconds to put the ball in play upon the Referee’s signal. Failure to put the ball in play within 5 seconds results in the opposing team getting the free kick. A ball hitting the ceiling during a game shall be restarted directly beneath the spot it struck the ceiling. If the ball hits the ceiling above either arch, the ball will be restarted by a member of the opposing team at the top of that arch. A ball striking the netting/wall behind the goal will result in a goalkeeper restart REGARDLESS of the last person to touch the ball. The only exception to this rule is if a defending player deliberately plays the ball into the netting behind his own goal a free kick to the attacking team will be issued and the ball placed and taken at the appropriate corner . The ball is in play only after the goalkeeper has distributed the ball to a team mate either by hand or foot (standard six second rule applies)
PENALTIES
A penalty is awarded on every sixth foul. The designated taker of the penalty must set the ball on the edge of the box directly in front of the centre of the goal. All other outfield players must be behind the half way line. The penalty taker will be allowed a run up of no more than 3 yards. When the Referee blows the whistle and the penalty taker strikes the ball the game shall be considered live. Should game time expire before the taking of the penalty, the penalty taker will be allowed to take the penalty but will only be permitted to score with a direct shot (no rebounds allowed). No substitution is allowed during a 6th foul penalty and only players on the field may participate. The goalie may not be substituted during a 6th foul penalty.
SUBSTITUTIONS
During the game while the ball is in play, substitutions may be made at any time on an unlimited basis, provided the player substituted for is off the field before the substitution is made at his own bench area.
The ball may not be played by either the departing or entering player while both are on the field at the same time.
Goalkeepers may be substituted once during each half and once at half time,
GOALKEEPER RULES
The goalkeeper may hold the ball in his hands for a maximum of six seconds. If he exceeds that time, the ball is placed at the top of the arch and a free kick awarded to the opposing team.
The goalkeeper may play the ball with his hands if the ball is not intentionally passed back by a team-mates foot pass (i.e. – the ball is kicked by the opposing team; deflected off one of his/her players, or played back off the head or chest of one of his/her team-mates). Players on his team may not circumvent the rule by playing the ball off their feet to their head and then passing it back to the keeper.
For any goalkeeper violations or the ball goes to the top of the arch and the opposing team is awarded a free kick.
If a player from the opposing team intentionally obstructs the goalkeeper from releasing the ball into play, a free kick is awarded to the goalkeepers team.
If during play the goalkeeper either intentionally strikes an opponent by throwing the ball violently at, or pushes him/her with the ball while holding it, he shall be cautioned as deemed appropriate by the Referee, and the opposing team awarded a penalty if the offence is initiated within the arch.
An intentional handball by the goalkeeper outside the penalty area will result in free kick .
The key point here is the location of the ball. If the ball is inside the arch (lines are inside) at the moment of contact, it is not a handball, even if any other part of the goalkeeper’s body is outside the arch.
A goal is disallowed if the goalkeeper of the attacking team throws or hits the ball intentionally with his hand or arm from inside his own penalty area and is the last player to touch or play the ball. The match is restarted with a goal clearance to the opposing team.
REFEREE’S POWERS
The referee’s power to assess penalties and maintain control of the game includes violations committed during play, during stoppages, and as the players and others proceed to and from the pitch.
The referee has the power to:
Warn/penalise/caution/eject – from the time the referee enters the pitch he has the power to penalise any player, coach, or spectator for fouls or misconduct as stated in these rules and to give warnings or time penalties, including yellow or red cards regardless of whether the ball is in play.
Declare an advantage – the referee allows play to continue when the team against which an offence has been committed could benefit from such an advantage.
Stop, suspend or terminate the game – the referee has the discretionary power to stop the game for any violation and to suspend or terminate the game because of the elements, interference by spectators, extreme misconduct, or other situation which he deems unsafe or unacceptable. In the case of a terminated game, the outcome of the game and any necessary disciplinary action will be determined by the facility manager. Unless there are mitigating factors the team who, in the opinion of the referee, caused the match to be terminated will forfeit the points, regardless of the score at the point of termination.
Prohibit entry onto the pitch – the referee ensures that no unauthorised persons enter the pitch.
Halt play due to injury – the referee may stop the game if a player has been injured and have the player removed from the pitch.
Signal restarts – the referee signals the restart of the game after all stoppages.
YELLOW CARD OFFENCES
Any player who receives a yellow card during a game will be given a 5 minute penalty. The player must then sit out for the duration of this 5 minute period in the substitution area and await instruction from the referee before re-entering the pitch.
Behaviour which warrants a yellow card includes:
- Reckless or endangering tackling
- A tackle from behind
- Persistent Infringement of the rules
- Unsporting behaviour (including spitting)
- Initiating physical contact short of fighting
- Dissent by word or action
- Giving a false name (awarded retrospectively and will lead to subsequent red card)
- Wearing inappropriate footwear or jewellery
RED CARD OFFENCES
Behaviour which warrants a mandatory red card includes:
- Violent Conduct
- Serious foul play
- Spitting at an individual
- Abusive language or aggressive behaviour
- Leaving the bench to join an altercation of the field
- Deliberately preventing a goal scoring opportunity
- Receiving a second yellow card
YELLOW CARD MISCONDUCT
Any player to receive more than two yellow cards in one season (but outwith one game) shall be suspended for one game. Any player receiving a third yellow of the season shall be eligible to play in the next game, and suspended for the game after. (ie a player receiving bookings in weeks 1,2&3 shall be allowed to play in week 4 but suspended for week 5)
RED CARD MISCONDUCT
The Referee has the right to eject a player, coach, or spectator before, during or after the game. That person must leave the facility immediately. If after receiving a red card as a coach, player, or spectator, misconduct continues, additional red cards and/or an indefinite ban from the facility may be issued. Games will not re-start (clock will continue to count down) until the offending person has left the area.
If a player is issued a red card, he is ejected for the remainder of that game and a minimum of the next three games unless it is for violent conduct which means missing a minimum of the next six games.
All suspensions will be displayed upon the league notice board and it is the responsibility of the teams to ensure that they are aware of all relevant suspensions.
Foul and abusive language or fighting is a mandatory red card (ejection) from the game and the facility.
Any player serving a ban is banned from the building and not only the playing area – ie any suspended player will not be allowed into the building for the duration of his suspension. This means that any player serving suspension will also be disqualified from playing with any other team in any other Strikers league for the duration of his suspension.
INJURIES
The Referee ensures that any player who requires treatment for injury must leave the field. For treatment of a bleeding open wound, the player must obtain the referee’s approval before he may re-enter the field.
Play shall stop when the referee decides
- an injury is critical
- the injured player’s location is likely to interfere with play or
- the injured player’s team has control of the ball.
When play is stopped for an injury, the injured player must leave the field of play. If play is stopped for an injury, anyone entering the field to assist the injured player must wait for the referee’s signal.
REFEREE’S REPORT
The referee will file a report with the facility manager after each league game, detailing the details of all disciplinary action.
This may lead to the suspension or ban on a player from using the facility.
REFEREE’S DECISION
The decision of the referee regarding facts connected with play and interpretation of the rules are final. The referee may change a decision prior to restart, upon his own reconsideration.
GAME SCORING
3 points for a win
1 point for a draw
Our tie breaking criteria are: goals differential; then most goals scored in the league.
A representative of each team must sign to authorise their teams result after each league match.
LEAGUE RENEWAL
Teams currently playing in a league will have first opportunity to rejoin the next league.
LEAGUE SCHEDULES
Each league will involve playing each team twice. Ordinarily this will result in an eight team/fourteen week season. Each team is entitled to cancel two fixtures within a fourteen week season providing they do so at least 48hrs prior to the kick off.
MISCELLANEOUS
Spitting anywhere within the facility is prohibited and may lead to the individual being banned from further use of the facility.
Any player bleeding from a wound must leave the field of play. He can only return once the bleeding has stopped and any open wound has been covered by a band-aid or other suitable covering.
No chewing gum allowed on or near the pitch.
Only water/suitable energy drinks allowed on or near the pitch area.
Strikers is a non smoking environment.
PROTESTS
A protest or complaint on any matter must be submitted in writing to the facility manager within 7 days.
ALCOHOL
No alcoholic beverages allowed on the premises. Anyone suspected of consuming alcohol or illegal substance during or prior to using the facility will be removed from the pitch and/or bench area and, depending on conduct, the premises. They will be given a red card and a suspension dictated by the facility manager.