Soccer Rules
The following soccer rules are governed by the 2013-2014 NFHS (National Federation of State High School Associations) Rules Book.
Field
The soccer field is located behind the HPE building.
Procedures
1. Each team should have a captain and a team name.
a. The captain’s responsibilities include: attending all captain’s meetings, making sure each player signs-up on-line (or signs the team entry
form), paying the team’s entry fee, guaranteeing eligibility of the players on their roster, informing their team of the procedures and rules,
being the spokesperson for their team during each game, providing their team with the schedule or any rescheduled games, and
controlling the conduct of their team. Each member of the team must sign the waiver before participating, including those individuals
added to the roster during regular season play. No more than 20 individuals on a roster. No individual may be added to the roster after
play-offs begin. All players on the team must play in 2 regular season games to be eligible for play-offs.
2. No jewelry.
3. Any player bleeding must leave the game and is not able to return until the bleeding has stopped and the wound has been covered. If blood is on
the clothes, the player must change before reentering the game.
4. A maximum of 14 intramural championship t-shirts will be given to the league champions. If teams have less than 14 players, only the players
listed on the roster will receive a t-shirt. Players need to have played in at least 50% of the intramural games to receive a t-shirt.
5. Eligibility:
a. All LSUS undergraduate or graduate students currently enrolled in classes. All LSUS faculty and staff members employed during the
current semester. LSUHSC students enrolled in the current semester.
b. A valid LSUS or LSUHSC ID MUST be presented to the Recreational Sports staff at check-in. If you do not present your ID
before each game, you WILL NOT be eligible to participate.
c. A student who has received a scholarship or has participated in intercollegiate competitions shall not be eligible to compete in that
particular sport (or similar sport) for at least one Academic semester.
d. No more than 2 ex-collegiate players of the same or similar sport may participate on each team (from the past 4 years).
e. Any individual participating in a university club sport is not eligible for that sport during the same year.
f. Athletes who have participated at the professional level in the same sport are not eligible for three years after his/her professional
experience and there may only be 1 ex-professional player per team.
g. Players may only play on one team unless playing in a men’s or women’s league and co-rec league.
h. Players may not switch teams once their name is on a roster.
6. Entry Fees: To help eliminate forfeits and to maintain the quality of the Recreational Sports Program, Recreational Sports has instituted fees for
recreational activities. Fees are due with the entry form and must be received by the entry deadline. Failure to pay the total fee by the entry
deadline will result in the team not being scheduled. Recreational Sport’s fees vary depending on the sport. The only time a refund may be given
is when a team has paid and not enough teams sign-up to form a league.
7. Forfeits
a. If a participant or team fails to begin five minutes after the scheduled starting time, the Recreational Sports Staff may declare the contest
forfeited to the team ready to play. If neither team is ready to play five minutes after the scheduled starting time, a double forfeit will be
declared.
b. Teams will forfeit any games in which they used an ineligible player.
c. If, in the opinion of the officials or supervisor, a team is not playing the game within the spirit of the rules, or according to acceptable fair
play, the game may be stopped and a forfeit declared against one or both teams.
d. Two forfeits during a given season will result in the team being dropped from the league for the remainder of the current sport’s season.
e. Any team that forfeits will receive a 1 for sportsmanship and the team forfeited against will receive a 5.
8. Protests
a. Protests regarding rule misinterpretations must be made by the Team Captain before the next live ball. If the protest is the last play of the
game the protest must be made before the teams leave the field. The protest must be made to a game umpire who should then explain the
rule interpretation. If the game umpire is unsure of the rule, the Director of Recreational Sports should be notified.
b. Protests on matters of an umpire’s judgment will be disregarded.
c. All protests regarding eligibility must be made in writing to the Director of Recreational Sports by the next business day after the
infraction occurred. Eligibility protests of a single day event must be made during the working hours of the business day following the
event in question. Eligibility protests during playoffs must be made by NOON the day following the contest being protested.
d. Regular season eligibility protests may not be filed after postseason has begun.
e. The Director of Recreational Sports, at his/her discretion, may hold one hearing for each protest at which all parties involved may present
their versions of the case before a decision is made.
f. Protests of playoff games must be made in writing within 24 hours or by 12:00 noon on the day of the next scheduled game, whichever is
first.
9. Reschedules: After the schedule is made, it is the responsibility of the Team Captain to notify the Director of Recreational Sports ASAP of any
days/times his/her team will be unable to play. Games will try to be rescheduled, but there is no guarantee. If something arises at a later date, the
Team Captain must notify the Director of Recreational Sports of any scheduling conflicts at least 7 business days prior to the game. Postseason
games will not be rescheduled. Defaults: If the Team Captain notifies the Director of Recreational Sports at least 24 hours in advance that their
team will be unable to make their upcoming game, the team will receive a loss, but not be given a forfeit. After 4 defaults, the team will be taken
out of the league.
10. Alcohol: The use or possession of any alcoholic beverage is prohibited at any Recreational Sports activity. Use of alcohol by either participants or
their fans will result in the ejection of those involved and/or the complete forfeiture of the game and may result in further disciplinary actions.
11. Tiebreaker Policy
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a. Head to Head
b. Least amount of forfeits
c. Points allowed
d. Points scored
Ejections
a. Any participant or spectator who, at the discretion of the Recreational Sports Staff, does not participate in a manner suitable to the
Recreational Sports competition may be ejected at any time from the game or facility.
b. Consequences for any player suspended from Recreational Sports activities, due to an ejection, will be determined by the Director of
Recreational Sports or authorized designee.
c. In addition to the determined consequence for being ejected, the ejected player(s) will be required to meet with the Director of
Recreational Sports before regaining eligibility. Failure to meet this requirement will result in a team’s forfeiture of any games in which
the player is involved after the suspension. This eligibility will carry over into the next sport season or academic year.
Sportsmanship Points: The LSUS Recreational Sports program will use a Sportsmanship Point system based on that of the National Intramural
and Recreational Sports Association (NIRSA). Each team will receive a sportsmanship rating from the official(s) at the conclusion of the game.
The score given will be based on the scale below.
a. 5 pts (Excellent) - given to a team which demonstrates good sportsmanship and maintains an excellent attitude of complete cooperation.
Full and complete support of the officials.
b. 4 pts (Above Average) - given to a team when there is no incident of poor sportsmanship. Respect shown for opponents and officials.
c. 3 pts (Average) - given to a team when unsportsmanlike conduct is not present in the game except for rare minor infractions. Poor
behavior limited to individual(s), not to the entire team.
d. 2 pts (Below Average) - given to a team if players, other than the captain, persist in questioning officials' decisions; and/or they
repeatedly argue with the officials. For frequent use of profane or vulgar language. If spectators clearly related to the team fail to
cooperate with the officials and the team is not supportive of the officials' efforts.
e. 1 pts (Poor) - given to a team when a player is ejected and the team does not assist the officials in removing the player from the area. If
players disregard warning of unnecessary roughness, unsportsmanlike conduct, abusive language or action, etc. If the team refuses to
attempt to control their fans after a request to do so from the Director of Recreational Sports.
Qualifying for Postseason: A team must have a cumulative 3.5 average sportsmanship rating in order to be eligible for the postseason. A team
must have at least a 3.0 rating for each game in the postseason to advance to the next round. Teams receiving less than a 3.0 will not be eligible to
advance to the next round of postseason. Any team that receives a 1.0 in a playoff game will be disqualified from that playoff tournament and the
team and players will be suspended from all Recreational Sports events for a period of time to be determined by the Director of Recreational
Sports. The nature and severity of the incident will be taken into account.
Miscellaneous: LSUS Recreational Sports is not responsible for any injuries that occur during play. Every participant should have their own
health insurance. Participating in intramurals is voluntary. Individuals injured during play must have an injury report form on file with
Recreational Sports within 48 hours of the injury.
Rain dates: To determine if your game is cancelled due to inclement weather, please call 797-5393.
PLEASE BRING A WATER BOTTLE! THERE IS NO GUARANTEE THAT A WATER COOLER WILL BE SET UP OUTSIDE.
Game Guidelines
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Field of Play:
a. The field will be a rectangle about 80 x 40 yards. The penalty area will be about 22 x 14 yards. The penalty mark will be directly in
front of the goal. The center of the field will be marked with a spot and have a circle about 8 yards drawn around it.
Players and Substitutes:
a. The games will be played by two teams of seven players each (six field players and one goalkeeper).
b. Teams must have at least five players to begin the game, and must end the game with five players.
c. Co-Rec teams can have any of the following combinations: 1 female/4 males; 2 females/3 males; 2 females/4 males; 3 females/4 males;
4 females/3 males; 5 females/2 males; 6 females/1 male; 7 females.
d. Each team should have a designated field captain which speaks for the team in all situations to the officials.
e. Substitutions: Unlimited substitutions may be made at any time. The individual entering the game must come up to midfield to notify
the officials you are entering the game. The individual substituting into the game may not enter the field until the player exiting the field
slaps the hand of the player entering the field. The substitution must be made within 5 yards of midfield. Violation of the substitution
rule will result in a direct kick from the spot of the dead ball and possibly a yellow card for unsportsmanlike conduct if this has been a
persistent act throughout the course of the game by the offending team.
f. The team captains will conduct a 2 out 3 rock, paper, scissors match at center field prior to the game. The team winning has the choice of
ends of the field or the kickoff.
g. The team who begins the game with the kick-off will receive the kick-off the second half.
h. Teams change ends and attack the opposite goal at halftime.
Player Equipment:
a. The teams must wear the same colored shirts with numbers on the back.
b. Players are not required to wear shin guards, but they are highly recommended.
c. Shoes must be made of leather, canvas, or similar material. Soft or hard rubber cleats may be worn, metal cleats are not allowed.
d. NO JEWELRY, CASTS, OR SPLINTS OF ANY KIND CAN BE WORN. ONLY BRACES APPROVED BY THE OFFICIALS MAY
BE WORN.
e. HATS MAY NOT BE WORN. (Stocking caps are allowed in cold weather).
Duration of the Game:
a. The game will consist of two 20 minute halves with a 4 minute half-time. If a half has been played and INCLEMENT WEATHER
causes the game to end, the game will be accepted in full. If the game is tied, the game will count as a tie.
b. There are no time-outs. The clock will stop only for goals, penalty kicks, major injuries, and at the official's discretion.
The Start of Play:
a. A Kick-off is done:
i. At the beginning of the match.
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ii. After a goal has been scored.
iii. At the beginning of the second half.
b. During a Kick-off:
i. A goal may be scored directly.
ii. Each team is on their half of the field.
iii. The team receiving the kick-off should be 10 yards from the ball until it is in play (outside the center circle).
iv. The ball is stationary on the center mark of the field.
v. The official gives the signal to kick.
vi. The ball becomes in play once it is kicked and moves forward.
vii. The kicker can only touch it one time until another player has touched it.
c. If the kicker kicks it again before another player touches it, a direct free kick is awarded to the opposing team. The kick is taken from the
spot where the violation occurred.
Ball In and Out of Play:
a. The ball is out of play when it has completely crossed a goal line or touchline, whether on the ground or in the air.
b. The game is restarted with a drop ball:
i. When the ball goes out-of-bounds by 2 opponents simultaneously.
ii. When the ball becomes deflated.
iii. Following a temporary suspension of play for an injury or unusual situation in which no team has clear possession of the ball.
iv. When simultaneous fouls of the same degree occur by opponents.
c. The ball shall be dropped where it became dead. If the ball went out-of-bounds simultaneously by 2 players the ball will be dropped five
yards inside the boundary lines.
d. The ball is dropped by an official from waist level to the ground between 2 opposing players.
e. The ball must touch the ground before it is played.
Scoring:
a. A goal is scored when the entire ball passes beyond the goal line, between the goal posts and under the crossbar. However, if deliberately
thrown, carried by the hand or arm of the team attacking, the goal will not count.
b. A goal may not be scored directly from a throw-in.
c. A goal may be scored directly from a kickoff, direct free kick, goal kick, penalty kick, corner kick, drop ball, and a goalkeeper’s throw,
punt or drop-kick.
d. In Co-rec, goals scored by females will be worth 2 points. Goals scored by males will be worth 1 point. However, the female must kick
the ball directly into the goal to receive 2 points. If the ball ricochets off a female’s back or side and goes in the goal, the team will only
be awarded 1 point.
Fouls and Misconduct:
a. Direct free kicks are given to the opposing team for the following:
i. Kicking or trying to kick, trip, or strike an opponent.
ii. Jumping at, charging, or pushing an opponent.
iii. Tackling (making contact before touching the ball) opponent while attempting to gain control of the ball.
iv. Holding an opponent.
v. Spitting on an opponent.
vi. Deliberately handling the ball.
vii. During a kick off if the player kicks it twice before another player touches the ball.
b. Direct free kicks are:
i. Taken from the spot where the incident occurred. However, if the incident occurs in the players own penalty area, a penalty
kick is awarded.
ii. A goal may be scored directly by the kicker.
iii. Opponents must be at least 10 yards from the kicker.
iv. Officials may warn defenders once about encroaching on a direct free kick. Next time an official may award a yellow card.
c. Penalty Kick:
i. Awarded to the opposing team for any one of the above direct free kick offenses when the infraction occurs in the penalty area.
ii. A goal may be scored from it.
iii. The ball is placed stationary on the penalty mark.
iv. One player is designated as the kicker and the remaining players must be outside the penalty area and behind the penalty mark
(at least 10 yards).
v. The goalkeeper must remain on the goal line under the goal posts until the kicker has kicked the ball.
d. There will be NO indirect free kicks.
e. Yellow Card Infractions:
i. Unsportsmanlike conduct.
ii. Delaying the game.
iii. Continually not abiding by the rules of the game.
iv. Shows hostility through word or action.
v. Not respecting the proper distance on free and corner kicks.
vi. Not substituting correctly.
vii. Foul language.
f. A player receiving a yellow card must sub out for at least two minutes of playing time. A teammate may sub in, but if the team
does not have any additional players the team will have to play short handed for at least two minutes. The scorekeeper will note
the time of the infraction and release the penalized player when the two minutes has expired.
g. Two yellow cards equal one red card.
h. Red Card Infractions:
i. Foul play.
1. While challenging the ball, excessive force is used.
2. Lunges at opponent from front, side, or behind while challenging the ball, and endangers the safety of his/her
opponent.
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ii. Violent or abusive language or behavior.
1. Using excessive force towards an opponent away from the action of the ball.
iii. Spitting at opponents.
iv. Handling the ball deliberately to prevent a goal from being scored.
v. Receiving a second yellow card.
i. A player receiving a red card will be disqualified for the remainder of the game, and the team must play short handed. That
player will also be disqualified for the next game.
j. A player receiving a yellow card in two successive games will be disqualified for the next game. A player will be disqualified for
the rest of the season if he/she receives three yellow cards, or one red card and two yellow cards.
Throw-ins:
a. If the ball crosses the sideline completely, a throw-in will be awarded to the correct team.
b. Throw-ins:
i. The player faces the field of play.
ii. Must be taken within a yard of the spot where the ball exited the sideline.
iii. Must use both hands to complete it.
iv. Must bring the ball from behind and over his/her head before releasing it.
v. Must not cross the sideline with foot.
vi. Must keep both feet on the ground.
vii. A goal may not be directly scored from it.
viii. The player who completed the throw-in cannot touch the ball again until another player has touched the ball.
c. A throw-in not completed properly (an infraction of one of the above) results in a throw-in by the opposing team from the same spot.
d. If the player who completed the throw-in touches the ball before another player touches it, the opposing team receives a direct free kick
at the spot of the infraction.
Goal Kicks:
a. Awarded to the defensive team if the offensive team kicks the ball over the goal line in the air or on the ground.
b. Kicked by a player on the defensive team from the goal area (ball must be stationary).
c. Opponents must remain outside the penalty area until the ball is in play.
d. The kicker may not touch the ball again until another player has touched the ball.
e. The ball must cross the penalty area to be in play or it is retaken.
f. On a goal kick, if the kicker touches the ball again before another player touches the ball a direct free kick or penalty kick is awarded to
the opposing team. A penalty kick is awarded only if the player touches it again inside the penalty area.
Corner Kick:
a. Awarded to the offensive team if the defensive team kicks the ball over the goal line either in the air or on the ground.
b. Ball is placed in the corner arc area on the same side the ball exited the field.
c. Once the ball has been kicked and moves, the ball is in play.
d. The kicker may not touch the ball again until another player has touched the ball.
e. On a corner kick, if the kicker touches the ball again before another player touches the ball, a direct free kick is awarded to the opposing
team.
Goalie Rules:
a. The goalie may not pick up the ball with his/her hands when a teammate directly passes it to him/her with his/her foot (if it is passed by a
header or chest, the goalie may pick it up with his/her hands). A direct free kick from the spot of the infraction will be given to the
opposing team if the above occurs.
b. The goalie may only pick up the ball with his/her hands inside the penalty area. Outside the penalty area is a hand ball and results in a
direct free kick at the spot of the infraction by the opposing team.
c. Goalies may not take an excess of steps after he/she has picked up the ball (this includes bouncing or rolling the ball). If the official
believes the goalie is taking advantage of this, he/she will be warned the first time, but the second time it will result in a direct free kick at
the spot of the infraction by the opposing team.
d. Goalies cannot keep the ball for longer than 6 seconds. Goalies will be warned the first time of this offense, the second time will result in
a direct free kick at the spot of the infraction by the opposing team.
If the goalie is touching the ball inside the penalty box another player may not attempt to kick the ball. Players cannot interfere with the
goalie releasing the ball. If the goalie is endangered, a foul will be called by the official.
THE OFFSIDE RULE IS NOT IN EFFECT.
NO SLIDE TACKLES! Any sliding that is a detriment to the game (official’s discretion) will be called and a direct kick at the spot of the foul will
result.
Tie Games:
a. If the game is tied, it will remain a tie.
b. During postseason, a tie game will result in a shoot out. A two out of three rock, paper, scissor match will be done to determine which
team will kick first. Each team will choose three different players to kick. In co-rec, one of those three players must be a female. The
goalie must not be more than 2 feet in front of the goal line when the kick is made.
c. If a game is still tied after the first shoot out, the above will be repeated.
NOTE: The Intramural Sports Program reserves the right to act or decide on any issue not covered in sport specific rules, policies/procedures.