YOUTH INDOOR Soccer
RULES AND REGULATIONS
Ensuring a Safe Playing Field for Everyone
We’ve put together some simple rules and guidelines to keep the games fun, fair, and exciting for everyone. They’re all about staying safe, being friendly, and ensuring everyone has a great time—because sports are all about good vibes and games! Take a quick look at the rules before your next match, and let’s keep the energy high both on and off the field!
Playing
At Arena Sports
WHAT TO WEAR
GOALKEEPER ATTIRE:
The goalkeeper must wear colors that distinguish them from all other players.
SHINGUARDS & SOCKS
REQUIRED for all players. Socks must be worn over shin guards.
JEWELRY
A player may not wear jewelry (watches, bracelets, etc.) that is dangerous to themselves or other players. This may be at the discretion of the referee.
NO CLEATS ALLOWED
- Number of Players – A minimum of 10 players is required on the U9-U18 rosters. Arena Sports reserves the right to add additional players as needed. Team managers will be notified.
- Number of Teams – Leagues with fewer than five teams may be merged with age groups, either one year older or younger. Managers will be notified should this be necessary.
- Registration Fees – Individual player fees only. No team fees.
- Availability & Registration – Space and late registration are subject to availability. Player fees are due on the day of the first game, with no exceptions.
- Memberships – A current Arena Sports membership is required. $65/player; $140/family membership.
- House Teams – Available for any individual player (U6–High School) who wishes to play but does not have an organized team. House Teams are limited to 12 players. Dri-fit Jerseys are included in the registration fee. House teams are coached by volunteer parents. If interested, please let us know!
- Scheduling – We try to be fair and provide balanced schedules for all teams, but please note the indicated days of play are the “primary” days of play. Games may be scheduled on other days if necessary. Weekend games start as early as 7am. At the time of registration, please place your schedule requests. We accept schedule requests relevant to the first two weeks of the season to accommodate outdoor schedules. Please note that these requests are not final but will be taken into consideration while scheduling.
Rules to remember
RESOURCES
No Heading the Ball
All U-12 and younger leagues are not allowed to intentionally head the ball. When a player deliberately heads the ball in a match, the opposing team is awarded an indirect free kick (IFK) at the spot of the offense.
3 Goal Rule
If a team is up by 3 goals or more, the opposing team is given the option to add another player to the field. Players on the team who are up by three goals or more must shoot outside the arc for a goal to count.
3-Line violation
A 3-line infraction occurs when the ball crosses over both red lines in the air without touching the wall, player, or the ground. This will result in a free kick from the red line closest to the original kick. Any team playing with two fewer players than the opposing team is not subject to the 3-line rule. Passing the ball over 3 lines toward your own goal is allowed.
No Sliding
Sliding and 3 points of contact are considered to be playing in a dangerous manner.
Penalty
cards
BLUE CARD
Duration of Penalty: 2 minutes
If Opponent Scores: Team returns to full strength, but without the carded player. The carded player may not return to the field until 2 minutes have passed.
Yellow Card
Duration of Penalty: 4 minutes
If Opponent Scores: Team returns to full strength, but without the carded player. The carded player may not return to the field until 4 minutes have passed.
Red Card
Duration of Penalty: 5 minutes, regardless of the opponent scoring.
Player Penalty: Immediate ejection from the current game. Player MUST exit the building. Automatic 1 game suspension. If the player plays on multiple rosters, they may be subject to missing further games. Based on severity, the penalty will be a multiple or indefinite suspension length.
Warning: A red card may be given if a player is caught chewing gum or spitting on the field.
RESPECT
YOUR REFS!
At Arena Sports, our goal is to promote a fun, soccer-loving community. Confronting and verbally abusing referees can often lead to cards, which is no fun for anyone. It’s not realistic to expect a referee to call a perfect match – just like it’s not realistic to expect that players, will PLAY a perfect match. If you have a question regarding a referee’s decision, ask them to explain it in a polite, non-confrontational way during half-time or after the match. The best way to send feedback is through our referee eval form below.
Positive feedback is always welcomed as well!