Rules for League Play

5 Goal Rule

• Whenever a team is leading by 5 goals, the opposing team may add an additional player to make the game more competitive for both teams.

U10 Rules

• No heading will be allowed in any age group from U10 and below.
• No punting is allowed.
• On any goalkeeper restarts, opposing team must drop back to midfield and can not enter the opposing half until a teammate of the goalkeeper touches the ball. If goalkeeper dribble’s the ball out of the box, the opposing team can enter the half.
• Half’s are 22 minutes long.

Kick Offs

• Kickoffs are direct and a goal can be scored on a kickoff.

Goalkeepers

• Cannot hold the ball for more than 5 seconds.
• Cannot pick up the ball if intentionally played back by own team’s feet.

Free Kicks

• All free kicks are direct and defending team must be a minimum of 5 yards away.

Ball Exiting Field Of Play

• Any ball that exits the playing field over the side line is a throw in.
• Ball cannot be thrown directly into the goal on a restart.
• Goal kicks CAN be played over the midfield in the air.
• Any ball that strikes a net, light, ceiling, or beam within the confines of the field is out of play.
• A direct kick restart will occur nearest where the ball hit. Exception: Within the goal box, the ball is placed outside of the box for restart.

Substitutions

• Substitutions are guaranteed for either team on any “out of bounds” ball.
• On the fly substitutions may be done while the ball is in play- ADULT LEAGUES ONLY.
• Player entering the field must wait until player exiting has stepped off the field.
• Violation of this rule could result in a 2 minute penalty (playing a person down).
• Fouls are not guaranteed substitution since the opposing team may play the ball as soon as they wish.

Offsides

• 6v6 & 7v7 does not have offsides.
• 8v8 & 9v9 has offsides.

Yellow Card

• All yellow cards will result in a man down situation for 2 minutes or until the opposition scores, whichever comes first.
• A second yellow card in a game will equal a red card.
• Four yellow cards in one session (6 or 8 week period) or two yellow cards in one tournament, and the player must sit out the next game.
• Failure to give your name to the referee or staff members when asked to do so will result in immediate and indefinite suspension.

Red Card

Suspensions For Players Who Receive a Red Card
In all cases, Management has the discretion to issue a MORE or LESS severe suspension than listed below:

• All red cards will result in immediate ejection from the current game. The player MUST exit the building. This will
  result in a minimum one-week suspension. If a player plays on multiple rosters, they will be subject to miss all games for a period
  of one (1) week.
• On a red card the team will play a man down for 5 minutes, even if goals are scored.
• A second red card within a six-month period will result in a minimum 2-week suspension.
• A third red card within one year will result in a minimum 4-week suspension. Any team that receives 3 or more red cards within one session is not eligible to register for the upcoming session (at a
  minimum).
• NO REFUNDS WILL BE ISSUED DUE TO A SUSPENSION.
• Failure to give your name to the referee or staff members when asked to do so will result in immediate and indefinite suspension.
• *If a player on your team receives a card and refuses to give their name to the referee, your entire team will forfeit their remaining schedule. If a fake name is given, your entire team will forfeit their remaining schedule AND will be banned from the Adult League permanently. In any case of suspension or expulsion, NO refunds will be issued.*

Foul and/or Abusive Language Suspensions

• Foul or abusive language clearly heard by a referee or Afrim’s staff member, that is directed towards a player, referee or customer, will not be tolerated.
• Verbal attacks (racial, ethnic or gender related) or threats of any kind will result in an immediate ejection and suspension of 2 weeks.
• NO REFUNDS WILL BE ISSUED DUE TO A SUSPENSION.

Fighting/Altercation Suspensions

• All players involved in an altercation on the field will be reviewed.
• Any person who strikes (i.e. open or closed fist) or blatantly attacks (i.e. kicking, elbowing, headbutting, etc.) another person will be suspended for a minimum of 8 weeks.
• Any player defending him/herself, without striking an opponent, will be reviewed. Those players who instigate an altercation on the field will receive a minimum 2-week suspension.
• NO REFUNDS WILL BE ISSUED DUE TO A SUSPENSION.

Two Minute Penalty

• A two minute penalty can be assessed at the discretion of the referee for minor violations regardless of whether a yellow card is given.

Other Rules

• NO Slide Tackles… but sliding is allowed! NO spitting, NO gum chewing and NO ball kicking against any wall. Fist fighting, swearing, and racial remarks will NOT be tolerated.
• Failure to give your name to the referee or staff members when asked to do so will result in immediate and indefinite suspension.
• The referees and front desk staff have the right to suspend anyone from the facility indefinitely at any time for behavioral issues.
• Management has the discretion to issue a MORE or LESS severe suspension than listed above.