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MIZZOU RECSPORTS
2011-2012 SOCCER RULES
(Updated 08/11)
All participants should read the Mizzou RecSports Handbook before participating. This can be found on our website: www.mizzourec.com or on www.IMLeagues.com
Officials will be in control of the game. Teams are responsible for keeping their spectators and players under control at all times. Misconduct of spectators or players can result in assessment of a yellow card, red card (ejection) or forfeiture of the game. Spectators must also remain in the area designated by the supervisors. No spectators or players are allowed between fields. The supervisors shall have the power to make decisions on any matters or questions not specifically covered in the rules.
NFHS Rules will govern play unless modification is stated in these RecSports Rules or RecSports Policies, Procedures, and Eligibility Requirements.
Start
1. The Referees will hold a Captain’s meeting five minutes before game time.
2. Odds/Evens or Rock, Paper, Scissors will determine possession and side.
3. On the referee's signal, the game shall start with a kick from the center of the field.
4. Every player shall be within her or his half of the field.
5. Every opponent shall be outside the center circle (10 yards away) until the ball is kicked. A teammate of the kicker may be anywhere within her or his half of the field.
6. The ball is in play as soon as it is touched and it moves forward. If the ball is not passed forward across the midfield line, then the same team restarts the ball.
7. The ball shall be motionless when the kick is taken.
8. Players must wait until referee gives signal (from whistle) to begin play
9. The kicker shall not play the ball a second time until it has been touched by another player. The penalty for 5 and 6: INDIRECT FREE KICK.
a. A goal may be scored directly from the kickoff.
10. Kick-offs will occur after every goal, and to start each new period (including overtime periods)
Players & Substitutes
1. Each team will have the maximum of eight players on the field (including one goalkeeper). The minimum is five players (plus one goalkeeper).
2. Players must be a member of the Mizzou Student Rec Complex to participate in any RecSports event. Participants are required to bring their Mizzou Student I.D. or Membership card to all games. Players must be added to the roster on IMLeagues.com by 4 p.m. on the day of the game.
3. Either team may substitute under the following conditions (must be reported to the referee):
a. On either team's goal kick or their own throw-in or their corner kick, or opposition throw-in or corner kick if opponent is also substituting
b. When a player is injured and only for the injured player. The opponents may substitute a like number of players.
c. When a player has been cautioned (yellow card). Each team may substitute one player for each player cautioned.
d. Goalie changes must be reported to the officials.
e. Violating these rules is a yellow card.
f. Referee has final jurisdiction as whether a substitute is allowed to enter the field of play or not.
4. A team must notify the referee on all substitutions. No player may come onto the field without permission from the referee.
5. If a player has been disqualified (red card) she or he will not be allowed a replacement.
6. No Jewelry may be worn. Exception: Medical Alert tags may be worn. Please notify a RecSports Supervisor if you are wearing one of these tags.
7. Shin guards must be worn by ALL players.
Equipment
1. Teams must wear shirts that are the same color. Goalkeepers must wear a different colored shirt. Game jerseys and goalie jerseys are available for checkout at Stankowski Field House. All shirts must have numbers which are not duplicated on the team.
2. All players must wear shoes. No screw-in or metal cleats. There will be a cleat check by the referees before the game begins.
3. SHIN GUARDS ARE REQUIRED FOR ALL PLAYERS! And must be:
a. Covered entirely by stockings
b. Made of rubber, plastic, or other suitable material
c. Provide a reasonable degree of protection (as judged by officials)
d. Violation of this rule may result in a red card.
4. Equipment that may be dangerous to another player such as hats, bandannas, and casts are not allowed. The supervisor or official will determine if an article is dangerous and will ask the player to remove the article. If the player refuses, she or he will be asked to leave the field.
The Game
1) Game time is forfeit time. Each half will be 20 minutes in length with a continuous running clock. Halftime shall not exceed 3 minutes.
2) Any injury time will not be added at the end of the game. The clock will stop during play for all injuries.
3) The referee reserves the right to stop the clock at her or his discretion for player(s) actions that violate the spirit of the game.
4) Time outs will not be allowed.
5) The winner of the coin toss will choose which goal they want to defend, if they would like to kickoff or defer their options to the second half.
6) A goal may be scored during play from a direct free kick, penalty kick, corner kick, goal kick, or drop ball. A goal may not be scored directly from an indirect free kick or throw in. To score a goal, the ball must completely cross the goal line. After the goal, the ball is returned to the center of the field for another kickoff. The team that gave up the goal will kickoff.
7) Teams will change ends at halftime.
8) The ball is out of play when it completely crosses the sidelines or the end lines (the whole ball must cross the whole line). The referee will blow her or his whistle to signal when the whole ball is out of play.
9) The referee blowing her or his whistle warrants a dead ball (even if inadvertent).
10) To restart play, the following methods are used:
a) Throw-ins: When the ball crosses the sidelines.
b) Goal kick: When the ball crosses the end line and the offense touched the ball last.
c) Corner kick: When the ball crosses the end line and the defense touched the ball last. The ball is placed a yard away from the corner marker and kicked. A goal may be scored directly from the corner kick.
d) Direct and indirect free kicks: Taken after a foul has been called.
11) Ball in play: The ball is still in play if it stays in-bounds after rebounding off the goal or referee.
12) A drop ball will be called when play is stopped due to an injured player, inadvertent whistle or when it is not clear whom the ball last touched before going out of bounds. A drop ball is when the referee drops the soccer ball between one player from each team; the ball has to touch the ground before it can be kicked by either player.
13) Mercy Rule: If a team is ahead by 8 goals with 10 minutes or less remaining in the second half of the game or 5 or more goals with 5 minutes or less remaining in the second half, the game will end. At the same time, if a team is ahead by 4 goals and is deemed to be stalling, the officials have the option to end the game and sportsmanship points may be deducted.
14) During the regular season, tie games will be decided by shootout of 5 penalty kicks until a winner is declared. If the game is still tied at the end of the shootout, the games will end in a tie. During playoffs, ties will be broken using the following rules: Two 5-minute consecutive sudden death overtime periods will be played. The first team to score is the winner. If there is no score in the first overtime, play is stopped, teams switch ends of the field, and possession changes as if starting a new half. If there is no scoring in the second overtime, then a shootout ( 5 penalty kicks) will be conducted until a winner is declared.
15) Regular season games cancelled due to weather or field conditions will be considered a win for both teams if they cannot be rescheduled. If inclement weather causes a playoff game in progress to be cancelled, the game is considered official when the first half has been completed. If the game is cancelled before the end of the first half, it will be rescheduled and begin at the point where it was cancelled.
Goalkeeper Privileges (notify the referee when changing your goalkeeper)
1. The goalkeeper within her or his own penalty area shall not take more than five seconds while in possession of the ball or deliberately delay getting rid of the ball when it is in her or his possession.
2. The goalkeeper has possession (control) of the ball when she or he is touching the ball with any part of her or his hands or arms. Once the goalkeeper takes control of the ball (including a "parry") with his or her hand(s) or arm(s), she or he may not handle ball after releasing it until it has been played anywhere by the opposing team. NOTE: An opposing player shall not hinder a goalkeeper in possession of or releasing the ball (boxing-in, face guarding, waving the arms, yelling, etc.)
3. Goalkeeper Restrictions
a. The goalkeeper is penalized for taking more than 6 seconds to release the ball into play after taking control/possession of the ball with his or her hands. The ball must be played by another player for the goalie to be allowed another possession. If the goalkeeper plays the ball to a teammate and the teammate passes the ball back to the goalkeeper, the goalkeeper may not use her or his hands. Penalty: Indirect kick
b. A goalkeeper shall not touch the ball with her or his hands via a throw-in or a deliberate kick by a teammate.
Rules Clarifications
1. Fans and coaches must stay off the field at all times. Fans and coaches may never stand between the two fields. Continued violations of this rule will result in an unsportsmanlike conduct for the captain. If they continue to violate this rule, the captain will be ejected. Another captain will be appointed and the preceding rules will be applied.
2. The team which kicked the ball out of bounds is responsible for retrieving the ball and returning it to the goalie or official. Excessive delay may result in a yellow card, which will be issued to the team captain.
Fouls and Misconduct
1. Kicking-Striking-Tripping-Jumping
a. A player shall not intentionally attempt to kick, strike, or jump at an opponent. Penalty: Direct free kick.
b. A goalkeeper may not intentionally strike or attempt to strike an opponent by throwing the ball at the opponent. Penalty: Direct free kick
c. A player shall not intentionally trip an opponent. Penalty: Direct free kick
2. Handling
a. A player shall be penalized for intentionally handling, carrying, striking or propelling the ball with a hand or arm. Penalty: Direct free kick.
b. If a player handles the ball on an obvious (official's judgment) goal-scoring play and they are in the box the player will be issued a red card (ejected) and the team will receive a penalty kick.
c. Unintentional handling occurs when the ball strikes the hands or arms of a player who has not moved the hands or arms to play the ball. This shall not be penalized.
d. A player shall not hold, push or impede an opponent with hands or arms extended from the body. Penalty: Direct free kick.
3. 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, does not have arms and elbows close to the body, and has at least one foot on the ground and the ball within playing distance. Penalty: Direct free kick.
b. A player having one or both feet on the ground shall not charge into an opponent that has no feet on the ground. Penalty: Direct free kick.
c. A player shall not charge into the goalkeeper in the penalty area. Penalty: Direct free kick.
4. Goalkeeper Possession of the Ball
a. An official shall disqualify any player who flagrantly fouls the goalkeeper in possession of the ball.
b. Possession or control of the ball is 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.
c. Outside the penalty area, the goalkeeper has no more privileges than any other player does. Note: When goalkeepers put the ball on the ground, they relinquish their rights as goalkeepers.
5. Dangerous Play - In the opinion of the official, all high kicks above the waist in a dangerous manner will be prohibited. Penalty: Indirect free kick.
6. Obstruction
a. Obstruction is the intentional act by a player, not in possession of the ball or not attempting to play the ball, running between an opponent and the ball or using the body as an obstacle. Penalty: Indirect free kick.
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 dropping the ball for a kick or attempting to throw the ball. Penalty: Indirect free kick.
7. Misconduct
a. A player or spectator shall be cautioned for: Persistently infringing upon the rules of the game or acting in an unsportsmanlike manner and/or objecting verbally or physically to the decisions given by an official.
b. A player or coach will be disqualified for persistent misconduct or a second caution and/or exhibiting violent conduct or using violent or abusive language.
8. Team Caution
a. A team caution is disciplinary action facing an entire team as a result of a violation by a player of that team.
b. A team caution may be called for, but not limited to, the following violations:
- Encroachment on free kicks.
- Intentional handballs by the defense.
- Unnecessary delay
- First slide tackle
c. Once a team caution is issued, if any player from that team commits the same foul, that player is ejected.
Free Kicks
1. Description of a free kick:
a. Free kicks shall be classified as "direct" from which a goal may be scored against the offending team or "indirect" from which a goal may not be scored unless the ball is played by another player from either team.
b. Any player of the offended team may take all free kicks in any direction.
2. Direct kick offenses:
a. Tripping/kicking or attempting to trip/kick an opponent.
b. Deliberately handling ball.
c. Pushing/Holding
d. Unfair charging.
e. Charging the goalkeeper in possession of the ball.
f. Striking or attempting to strike an opponent.
g. Jumping at an opponent.
h. Using foul or abusive language or spitting at other persons.
i. Slide tackle
3. Indirect free kick offenses:
a. Leaving the field of play without permission.
b. The kicker playing the ball next after a kickoff, free kick, penalty kick, goal kick or corner kick or the thrower playing the ball before another player plays the ball.
c. Kicking or attempting to kick the ball while it is in possession of the goalkeeper.
d. Obstruction.
e. Dangerous play.
f. The goalkeeper holding ball for more than 6 seconds.
g. Goalkeeper illegally handling the ball after relinquishing possession.
h. Delay of game.
i. Unsportsmanlike conduct
4. Rules free kick:
a. Opposition players must be at least 10 yards from the ball until it is kicked, unless standing on their own goal line between the goalposts. If the kick is by a team in its own penalty area, defenders must also be out of the penalty area until the ball clears the penalty area. The ball must be stationary and may be kicked in any direction. After the kick, any player except the kicker may play the ball. A kick in a team's penalty area must leave the penalty area before another player may play the ball.
5. Penalty kick: When taken.
a. A Penalty Kick is awarded for any of the 10 direct fouls committed in the defending box. The foul must be deliberate. A penalty kick can be awarded regardless of the position of the ball, if the infraction by the defending team is committed in the penalty area. A goal may be scored directly from a penalty kick.
6. Penalty kick: How taken.
a. The penalty kick is taken from any place on the penalty mark line. When it is being taken, all players (except for the kicker and the opposing goalkeeper) shall be within the field of play but outside the penalty area and at least ten yards away from the penalty mark. The opposing goalkeeper may move laterally, but is not permitted to advance off the goal line until the ball has been kicked by the offensive player. The player taking the kick must kick the ball forward in order for it to be in play. If the ball is not put into play properly, the kick must be retaken. If the ball hits the goalpost or the crossbar and returns to play, the kicker may not play the ball until another player has played it. The goalkeeper may not be substituted for on a penalty kick unless they were injured during the infraction. The kicker must wait for the official to start the play. The distance for a penalty kick is 12 yards from the goal line.
7. Infringements
a. During a penalty kick, any encroachment by the defending team or forward movement by the defending goalkeeper is not penalized if the goal is scored. If a goal is not scored, the kick 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. If the ball rebounds into play, the game shall be stopped and restarted with an indirect free kick for the defending team at the spot of the foul. 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.
8. End of time variations
a. The ball is dead at the moment the whistle sounds to end either half. A goal cannot be scored if the ball was in the air when the whistle was blown; the ball must have completely crossed the goal line. Time may be carried over only for a penalty kick. If necessary, time of play shall be extended at the end of either half to allow a penalty kick to 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.
9. Goal Kick: When taken
a. A goal kick is taken by a member of the defending team when the ball passes completely over the goal line, either in the air or on the ground, having last been touched by a member of the attacking team.
10. Goal kick: How taken
a. The ball is placed on the ground from any point in the goal area. The ball must be kicked beyond the penalty area, or the kick will be retaken. The goal kick is a direct kick.
11. Corner kick: When taken
a. A corner kick is taken by a member of the attacking team when the ball passes completely over the goal line, either in the air or on the ground, having last been touched by the defending team.
12. Corner Kick: How taken
a. A member of the attacking team shall take a kick from within one yard of the nearest corner. A goal may be scored directly from a corner kick. The opposing team shall not approach within 10 yards of the ball until the ball has been kicked; if the opposing team approaches within 10 yards the kick is retaken. The kicker may not play the ball until another person has touched it. If the ball hits the goalpost and rebounds towards the kicker, he/she still cannot play the ball until another player has touched it.
13. Throw-in: When Taken
a. A throw-in is taken after it has passed completely over a sideline, either on the ground or in the air.
14. Throw-in: How Taken
a. The thrower, at the moment of delivering the ball, must face the field of play with both feet behind or on the line and both feet on the ground. The thrower shall use both hands equally and shall deliver the ball from behind and over his head. The ball shall be in play when it enters the field of play. If the ball never enters the field of play, the same team will retake the throw-in. A goal may not be scored by the throw-in. If the ball is improperly thrown in, a member of the opposing team shall take the throw-in. The thrower cannot play the ball until someone else has touched it. Penalty: Indirect free kick from point of infraction.
Shootouts
1. Five players (including the goalkeeper) from each team, that were on the field at the end of the game (second overtime in playoffs), will be selected by the team to shoot.
2. In playoffs, the goalkeepers will be the same as the goalkeepers from the end of the second overtime. In regular season, the goalkeeper will be the same as the goalkeeper during the end of regulation time.
3. A coin flip will decide which team has the option of shooting first or last.
4. Each team has a total of 5 penalty kicks and will alternate each shot. No rebounds are allowed.
5. If the score is tied at the end of the shootout(during the playoffs), a sudden death shootout will be conducted. The first team that scores wins the game.
6. The second round must consist of the players who did not shoot the original five Penalty Kicks, and were still on the field before the first set of penalty kicks.
7. The kicker must wait for the official to start the play on each kick.
Slide Tackles
1. Slide tackles are illegal in RecSports Soccer.
2. Goalies are allowed to slide and lead with any part of the body, including feet first. (This rule has been changed to protect the goalie so he/she is not leading with their head every time).
3. No player shall leave his or her feet in an attempt to dispossess another player of possession of the ball. Exception: a player may slide in order to save a ball from leaving the playing field without another player being in position to make a play on the ball.
4. A slide tackle with contact will result in a direct kick. All other slide tackles will result in an indirect kick.
5. On the 1st offense for a slide tackle by any player on the field will result in a yellow card, direct free or indirect kick. The entire field will be given a verbal warning. The referee will have discretion of a direct or indirect free kick.
6. The 2nd offense by any player on the team for a slide tackle will automatically result in a red card, direct free kick and an automatic 3 "Sportsmanship Rating".
7. On the 1st offense, if the slide tackle is made and is deemed malicious (playing the player and not the ball and/or from behind), it will result in a red card, direct free kick for the other team and an automatic 2 "Sportsmanship Rating". The entire team will be given a verbal warning.
8. On the 2nd offense, if the slide tackle is made and is deemed malicious (playing the player and not the ball and/or from behind), it will result in a red card, an automatic 0 “Sportsmanship Rating” and forfeiture of the game.
9. Two ejected players on a team in the same game will result in forfeiture of the game.
A Player Shall be Issued a Yellow Card (cautioned) if she or he:
a. demonstrates unsportsmanlike behavior
b. dissents by word or action
c. persistently infringes the law of the game
d. illegally enters the game
e. illegally exits the game
f. delays the restart of the game (throw in, corner kick, free kick)
g. does not assume the 10 yards on a corner kick or free kick
h. commits 2nd non-malicious slide tackle
A Player Shall be Issued a Red Card (sent out of game) if she or he:
a. demonstrates violent conduct
b. demonstrates serious foul play
c. uses foul and abusive language
d. spits
e. receives a second yellow card in the same game
f. intentionally physically impedes a player with an obvious opportunity to score a goal
g. denies his opponent a goal by intentionally handling the ball
h. commits a malicious slide tackle
Co-Rec
1. A regulation team consists of 8 players (one of which is the goalkeeper). A team may play with a minimum of 6 players. The possible combinations are 4m/4w, 3m/4w, 4m/3w, 3m/3w
2. A girl must touch the ball on the offensive half of the field in order for a goal to be scored.
3. A girl throw in on the attacking half does not count as their touch. It must be touched in play on the attacking half of the field or on a corner kick.
4. If a girl does not touch the ball in the attacking half and a goal is scored by a male, the goal does not count and the result is a goal kick.
5. In the case of a penalty kick, the person taking the kick does have to be of the same gender as the player who was fouled. A penalty kick is worth one point, regardless of the gender of the shooter.
6. If a female has not touched the ball in the offensive half of the field before a penalty kick occurs, a goal may be scored by a male kicker.
7. If in the overtime period a shootout occurs, teams must alternate shots on goal between male and female. Females must shoot the first shot on goal per shootout.
8. A goal scored by a female player counts as 1 point.
9. Mercy Rule: If a team is ahead by 8 goals with 10 minutes or less remaining in the second half of the game or 5 or more goals with 5 minutes or less remaining in the second half, the game will end. At the same time, if a team is ahead by 4 goals and is deemed to be stalling, the officials have the option to end the game and sportsmanship points may be deducted.
Playoffs
1. Playoff brackets will be available on imleagues.com following the end of the regular season and at the conclusion of the playoff manager’s meeting.
2. Teams advancing to the playoffs must be prepared to play at any scheduled time and place during the tournament.
3. Teams that finish in the top half of their division with a sportsmanship rating of 3.0 or above will play in the play-off bracket. .