INDOOR SOCCER
HOWZAT NEWCASTLE OFFICIAL RULES

On behalf of Howzat Newcastle, I would like to take this opportunity to welcome you and your team to the game of Indoor Soccer. Competitions will run for 16 rounds with finals scheduled to commence immediately following the last round of fixtures.

HOWZAT NEWCASTLE MEMBERSHIP (Covers Personal Insurance)
Membership is charged per player and is valid for 12 months from the date paid (for $30 memberships) or if the $15 option is taken it is valid the current competition only.  Every player in your team must be a member by their third game.  This entitles you to play in any sport, in any number of teams. 

GAME FEES 
All game fees must be paid ten minutes before the start of your game.  The game fee is a team fee and must be paid in full regardless of how many players take the court.  Any team who does not arrive on time will be penalised as per the following rules.  After 10 minutes, the match will be awarded to your opposition.

RESCHEDULES 
Should your team be unable to play, you may with the consent of the Opposing Captain, reschedule the game. You must give at least 48 hours notice and reschedules must be played within the designated time of the original game.

ELIGIBILITY FOR FINALS 
To qualify for semi-finals, you must play in 1/3 of your teams matches (i.e. 7games in a sixteen week season) with at least one of those games played on or before Round 9.  CAPTAINS … it is your responsibility to tick off players each week on the registration card.

TEAM NAMES

In line with State and International rules we now have a policy that team names do have any reference or connotation to any sexual, racial or any other description that could be construed as discrimination.

MISCONDUCT

Any serious breach of the attached rules could result in the offending team (or Player) being suspended from matches (or competition) the decision is at the discretion of the Centre Management. For example deliberate fighting or kicking will not be tolerated.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

All captains will be issued a copy of the rules, which will be binding. The rules have been developed in consultation with team representatives and are designed to make the game challenging whilst developing consistency and a fun atmosphere.

1.                PLAYING AREA:

·      Upstairs consists of entire floor area and ceiling.

·      Downstairs consists of floor area up to upper level.

2.                PLAYERS:

·      Six players for both Men & Mixed games. Mixed = 3 guys and 3 girls: a guy must go in goals. (Girls are allowed to play as guys if team numbers are short, however if they are nominated as a guy they must maintain that status for the entire game.)

3.                SUBSTITUTES

·      Field players- may leave the playing area at any time and be replaced by another field player. A free kick will be awarded if both the player being substituted and his replacement are on the playing surface at the same time. (free kick awarded from where the ball is at the time of offence.)

·      Goalkeepers- may substitute with a field player ONLY with the Referee’s consent. Goalkeepers may not change after the penalty has been awarded unless requested before penalty occurred.

4.                MINIMUM NUMBER OF PLAYERS

·      A team must have at least four players before play may commence. Note: One player must act as a Goal Keeper.

5.                KICK OFF

·      The ball may be kicked forward or backwards. A goal cannot be scored directly from a kick off unless it touches another player.

6.                REFEREE:

·      The Centre provides these officials. Their decisions are binding and final. Games may have time reduced by the referee if teams are late. (time can be reduced by no half time)

7.               OFFICIALS

·      The Officials are Umpires, Scorers and Timekeepers who are appointed by the Centre. Team officials are Coaches, Managers and Captains.

·      Supporters of a team will not be permitted to heckle or intimidate the opposing team’s players or the Umpire in anyway whatsoever. The Umpire will warn the supporters and may penalise the team if this action is deemed necessary.

·      There shall be at least one appointed Umpire who shall have control of the game and give decisions and shall umpire according to the Rules and decide on any matter not covered by the Rules. The decisions of the Umpire shall be final and shall be given without appeal.

·      The Umpire shall wear a uniform distinct from the players as designated by Howzat Newcastle.

·      The Umpire’s whistle shall stop and start the game.

·      The Umpire shall re-start the Game after each goal is scored and after each interval or stoppage.

·      The Umpire shall officiate within the court and endeavour to move into position to see play and make decisions without interfering with play. However, it may be necessary to move onto the playing area to indicate where a penalty is to be taken, or to take a Toss-Up or to gain an uninterrupted view of play. If the ball strikes the Umpire or the Umpire interferes with the progress of play, play will not cease unless either of the teams has been unduly penalised.

·      Penalty:  Free Pass to that player, or it two opposing players have been unduly penalised the decision shall be a drop - ball between the players concerned.

·      The Umpire shall call “advantage” and the infringement whenever possible to ensure that play is continuous and to avoid unduly penalising the non-offending team. If the whistle is blown for any infringement the penalty must be taken.

·      The Umpire will ensure that players remain inside the court during a stoppage for injury or illness and will ensure that there is no coaching during such stoppage.

·      The Umpire will state the infringement and penalty and it is preferable that the Umpire use hand signals to clarify the decisions.

·      The Umpire shall not Criticise or Coach any team while a match is in progress.

·      The Umpire must keep a method of recording centre passes and indicate this to the players.

·      The Umpire shall operate the electronic scoreboard when there is no official scorer/timekeeper.

·      The appointed Scorer shall:

·      Operate electronic scoreboard and/or keep a written record of the score.

·      Record each goal as it is scored unless the goal is disallowed by the Umpire. Where both methods of scoring are kept, the written record shall be the official score of the game.

·      If a written score is taken a written record of centre passes should be kept, which can then be used to advise the umpire of centre passes when requested.

·      Timekeeper

·      The appointed Timekeeper shall be the Referee:

·      Start the time clock by the Umpire’s whistle and shall signal the end of each half to the Umpire. The game will also finish on the Umpires whistle not the hooter/siren.

·      During Finals, if a draw results, then extra time shall be played. After a one (1) minute break the teams shall change ends and the Centre kick shall continue to alternate. Two x three-minute halves shall be played with a one (1) minute break at half time for teams to change ends. A penalty shootout will occur if it is still a draw after extra time. Only five players will be eligible for the penalty shootout (they are not allowed at any stage to be substituted). This will occur until there is a clear winner.

·      The Captains shall, toss for the first Centre kick or direction of play at the commencement of the match with the winning Captain notifying the Umpire and Scorer of the result of the toss.

·      Ensure each player’s name is officially recorded on the appropriate registration card. (Including all interchange players).

·      Notify the Umpire and the opposing Captain of any changes in position or substitution of players, which may take place during any interval or after any stoppage for injury or illness.

8.               BLOOD:

·      Play must be stopped if the umpire notices or is made aware of any player who is bleeding. This player must leave the court immediately to be treated. The wound must be securely covered and any blood stained clothing replaced to the satisfaction of the Umpire. Uniform penalties do not apply.  The player may be substituted - If the player is substituted they shall take no further part in that game.  If the team elects not to utilise a substitute, neither team may make positional changes.

·      Before play can recommence the umpire must ensure there is no blood on the ball, the court or any other player.

9.               DRESS:

·      Footwear- all participants must wear sports joggers, not black soled. NO player is to play barefooted or shirtless.

·      Shirts- must be the same colour/ design by round 4 of the competition. NOTE: Goalkeeper may wear a different shirt.

·      PENALTY – at the discretion of the referee, however maximum ONE GOAL FOR INCORRECT SHIRTS.

10.           PLAYING TIME:

·      The Game: consists of two (2) x twelve (12) minute halves.

·      Games will be started on time.

·      Half time: no longer than 1 minute.

·      Injury Time: the Referee will stop the clock in the event of a serious injury.

·      Time Wasting: an indirect free kick will be awarded for deliberate time wasting. (Goalkeeper should have rolled out within 5 seconds after receiving control of the ball.)

11.            BODY CONTACT:

·      INDOOR SOCCER IS NOT A BODY CONTACT SPORT, consequently any intentional breach of this rule shall result in the referee awarding an indirect free kick.

·      In case of dangerous play and/ or deliberate charging, then the referee may warrant a send – off and/or shall award a direct free kick against the offender. There shall be no sliding tackles, pinning players against the wall or playing ball while on the floor.

·      Referees have been directed to ensure that Rules 11 and 12 is enforced to the letter. Consequently any player who repeatedly breaches this rule shall be sent off for the duration of the game.

 12.           CAUTION AND SEND OFF OFFENCES:

·      Yellow and Red cards are now in effect. 

• A Yellow card will be represents that the offending player is now officially.

• A second Yellow being shown will result in the player being sent from the field.

• A straight red card being shown will represent that the offending player must leave the field immediately

·      A Yellow card will be produced for a serious cautionable offence.

This means things like a high foot, bad challenge and back chat will receive one (1) verbal warning and any repeat of this will result in a yellow.

A straight yellow card is for foul play and is to represent that the offending player is cautioned for that incident and will be sent from the field for any other offence thereafter.

A straight red card is given for serious foul play and will shown for things like fighting, serious physicality or roughness and or verbal or physical assault on a player or umpire.

·      In the event of a ‘send off’ offence the player involved shall be sent off for the duration of the game and be automatically suspended in at least the next two fixtures. Management has the power to extend the period of suspension, based on the referee’s report.

·      Should a player accrue two ‘send off’ offences during the competition, and then the player concerned shall be automatically suspended from taking any further part in the competition.

·      If in the opinion of the referee, a player commits a serious, dangerous or intentional offence, the referee may award a penalty kick / send off against the offending team.

ALL RED AND YELLOW CARDS ARE RECORDED AND FILLED BY HOWZAT UMPIRES AND THE SOCCER COORDINATOR.

IF A PLAYER COLLECTS  FOUR YELLOW CARDS OVER A PERIOD OF TIME, THAT PLAYER WILL FACE A MINIMUM 1 WEEK SUSPENSION.

IF A PLAYER RECEIVES THREE RED CARDS OVER A PERIOD OF TIME, THAT PLAYER WILL BE SUSPENDED FROM TAKING ANY FURTHER PART IN THE COMPETITION.

PLEASE NOTE THAT ALL INCIDENTS ARE DISCUSSED AND SUSPENSIONS APPLIED UPON THE OWN MERIT AND CIRCUMSTANCE.

 13.           ELIGIBILITY OF PLAYERS FOR FINALS:

·      To be eligible to play in the finals, players must have their name, address and phone numbers printed on team cards. Also every game these players must be ticked off team card.

·      Must have played 7 current competition games to be eligible for finals

·      Must have payed registration and insurance levy by round 5

14.            COMPETITION POINTS:

Win               -           3 points

Draw             -           2 points

Loss              -           0 points

Bye               -           2 points

Forfeit (win)  -           3 points

Forfeit (loss) -           0 points

NOTE: If a girl scores in mixed soccer it is recorded as 2 goals, guys receive just 1 goal.

15.           GAME RULES:

·      Football association rules will apply except in the following circumstances:

16.           OFFSIDE - does not apply after the commencement of play

17.           FREE KICKS -

·      all free kicks that are not penalty kicks are indirect (i.e. ball must touch another player before scoring)

·      no opposing player may be positioned within 3 metres of the point where the free kick has been awarded.

·      Person taking the free kick is only permitted a two-step run up.

·      Where a free kick has been awarded within three (3) metres of the goal perimeter, the ball will be repositioned at the nearest point, two metres away from the goal perimeter.

·      Ball hits referee (play-on) unless unfair advantage is gained then it is a drop ball

18.            BALL OUT OF PLAY -

·      A free kick will be awarded to the non-offending team where the offending team has caused the ball to go out of play. (Roof/above floor downstairs and backboards.) The kick will be taken from were the offending team last played the ball.

·      Ball deflects off Goal Keeper out of play – free kick 3 metres outside circle

19.           INFRINGEMENTS BY GOALKEEPER –

·      Free kick will be awarded against the goalkeeper at a point two metres from the goal area, adjacent to the point where the infringement occurred.

20.           PENALTY KICKS –

·      Deliberate handball or foul play will incur a penalty. (in circle- penalty, outside the circle- direct free kick

·      To be taken from the spot located directly opposite the centre of the goals.

·      The striker’s run up is restricted to 2 paces.

·      Goalkeeper must be positioned immediately in front of his goal line.

·      Goalkeeper keeping at the time must remain for duration of penalty.

·      Keeper comes out of area during runaway (1 on 1) or player fouled during runaway. (Send off possible or direct free kick awarded.)

21.           GOALKEEPER ROLLOUT –

·      No field player may position himself within THREE metres of the goal circle when the goalkeeper is rolling out. Any interference from an attacking player inside this area will result in a free kick to the defending team where the offence occurred. (free kick 3 metres outside circle)

22.            ILLEGAL TACKLES –

·      kicking ball between legs of opposing players.

·      Any tackle from behind causing body contact

·      Slide tackles (see 6b)

·      Tackles with intentional use of shoulder or hip.

23.           OUT OF PLAY –

·      Upstairs - plays on off all nets except if ball goes in goals of roof net or Netball / Basketball rings.

• Downstairs - Anything above the height line including the rings are considered out of bounds

25.           GOALKEEPER –

·      The goalkeeper is the only player permitted INSIDE THE GOAL AREA. (mixed only) NOTE: if attackers infringe this rule then the referee shall award a goalkeeper rollout. This is an UNDER ARM roll using one or both hands in a low bowling type action. If defenders accidentally infringe this rule then the referee shall award a free kick in accordance with rule 17 (Free Kicks)

·      the goalkeeper is not permitted outside the goal area – intentional infringements (i.e. any contact with the ball), shall result in a free kick/ direct free kick being awarded in accordance with rule 17 (Free Kicks). The referee shall judge accidental infringements.

·      The goalkeeper may stop the ball with any part of the body. The ball is then returned by him to play, by an underarm roll.

·      A goalkeeper rollout is awarded when the goalkeeper has caused the ball to go out over the marked line behind the goals.

·      The goalkeeper is NOT permitted to kick the ball, but may block shots with his feet.

26.           BALL

·      The ball shall be a universally accepted Soccer ball Size and shall be supplied by the Centre.

27.           PLAYERS UNIFORMS

·      Players must wear a form of sport shoe or sporting boot which shall be non-marking for Indoor competition and acceptable to the Sports Manager.

·      Teams must wear a uniform, which must be approved by the Centre. It shall consist of identical shirts/tops and matching skirts/shorts but may vary in style. Manufacturers labels of approximately 10cm wide by 4cm high are permitted. Bike pants may be worn underneath skirts but they must be the same colour as the team's skirt or black.

·      Singlet tops, jumpers or windcheaters will be permitted with the Sports Managers approval.

·      In the event of two teams having similar or identical uniforms, including bibs, team captains shall determine which team shall wear the neutral bibs supplied by the Centre.

·      Advertising by team sponsors is permitted on the playing bibs but shall in no way encroach upon the initials on the bibs. Advertising is permitted on any other item of the playing uniform.

·      No jewellery shall be worn with the exception of a wedding ring or medical bracelet, which must be taped to the satisfaction of the umpire.

·     Players shall not take food or drink on to the court at any time this includes chewing gum.