Outdoor Soccer Rules

The following are the Outdoor Soccer Handbook rules (scroll to bottom of page for 3v3 Soccer rules modifications)

NFHS Soccer Rules will be used with Tulane University modifications.

1. Participants are subject to all of the policies and procedures in the Intramural Handbook
2. Games will consist of 2 teams, 8 players per team including a goalie.
   1. Mixed-Rec teams may have no more than 5 male-identifying players in the game at any time. 
   2. A minimum of 6 players is required to begin a game. In Mixed-Rec, no more than 4 of these minimum 6 may be male.

Equipment

1. All participants should wear proper recreational attire. This includes t-shirts, gym shorts, wind or sweatpants, and athletic closed toe shoes.
2. Jewelry or sunglasses are not permitted.
3. Headwear that contains knots, hard or stiff material including billed hats are prohibited.
4. Rubber cleats not exceeding 1/2 inch may be worn. Metal cleats are prohibited.
5. Shin Guards are recommended for play.
6. Any hard braces must be covered and padded.
7. The final determination regarding legal equipment will be made by the Intramural Supervisor present at the game.
8. All teams must provide their own uniforms/shirts. All teams must bring a dark shirt (black, dark green or dark blue) and a light shirt (white, light yellow, light green) to every game. One team will be dark, one team will be light. Do not wear grey.
9.  The goalkeeper must wear a different color shirt than the field players.
10.  No athletic tape will be provided.

Time Regulations

1. Games will consist of 2 20-minute halves and a 3 minute half time.
   
   1. The clock will run continuously with the exception of injuries and referees’ time.
   2. Regular season games can end in a tie and will be recorded as a tie.
   3. Playoff games will not end in a tie
2. If a game is called in the second half due to weather conditions, the game is considered complete. 
3. Shootout: for playoff games.
   
   1. Tie games in the playoffs will be determined by a shootout.
   2. Round 1 shootouts will consist of 5 players from each team.
   3. Only players on the field at the end of the regulation game may participate in the shootout.
   4. The Goalie that starts the shootout must finish the shootout, no substitutions.
   5. Mixed-Rec Variation: Consecutive shots (in either Round 1 or alternating shots) may not be taken by male players.
   6. The teams will take alternating shots on goal.
   7. The referee will choose the goal that will be used.
   8. If after Round 1 a tie still exists, the remaining 3 players that were on the field at the end of the game will continue to alternate one on one shots. If after all 8 players have taken one on one shots a tie remains, the rotation will repeat until the tie is broken.
4. Extra Time/Golden Goal: ONLY for semi-final and final games.
   
   1. There will be two 5-minute periods.
   2. Teams will switch sides at the end of regular time and at the beginning of the second 5-minute period.
   3. The first team to score wins, regardless of the time remaining.
   4. In the event that no team scores, the game will be decided with a shootout using the rules above.

Kick Off

1. The choice of sides or possession will be determined by a coin toss between the captains.
2. Teams switch sides at the start of the second period.
3. Each team will be on their own side at kick off.
4. All players on the team which is not kicking off shall be at least 10 yards away from the ball until it is kicked.
5. The ball must be stationary when kicked. The ball does not need to go forward when it is kicked.
6. A goal may be scored directly from a kick off.

Substitutions

1. There is no limit to the number of substitutions a team may make.
2. A substitute that desires to enter the game must report to the midfield touchline to make their intentions known to the Intramural Supervisor on duty. The Supervisor will notify the official. The substitute may not enter until they are recognized by the Supervisor and the official.
3. A team may substitute under the following circumstances:
   
   1. After a goal is scored.
   2. On an injury timeout.
   3. Between halves.
   4. On any goal kick.
   5. The team’s own throw in.
   6. On the opposing team’s throw in if both teams are substituting.
4. Goalkeeper substitutes must be approved by the official during a stoppage of play.
5. If a player enters the field of play without notifying the official, a direct kick will be taken at the point where the ball lies at the time, and a yellow card will be issued to that player.
6. A team that has a player ejected from the game (shown a red card) may not substitute for the ejected player and must play down for the remainder of the game.

Ball In/Out of Play

1. The ball is in play:
   
   1. When it rebounds off a crossbar, post, or corner flag.
   2. if it rebounds off of an official.
   3. When a drop ball hits the ground.
2. The ball is out of play:
   
   1. When the ball wholly crosses touch line or goal line, whether on the ground or in the air.
   2. When the referee has blown their whistle and stopped the game.
3. The referee shall sound the whistle when the ball is out of play or a foul has occurred. A second whistle is required to restart play for the taking of a penalty kick as well as after a substitution is made, a yellow or red card is shown, or an injury or encroachment occurs. A second whistle is also required if a player requests ten yards when taking a free kick. All other restarts will begin without a whistle as soon as the ball is in position.

Scoring

1. A goal is scored when the whole ball passes completely over the goal line, between the goalpost and under the crossbar, provided no infraction of the rules occurred in the accomplishment of the goal.
2. Goals may be scored by a player directly from a:
   
   1. Kickoff
   2. Goal kick
   3. Penalty Kick
   4. Corner Kick
   5. Dropped Ball
   6. Goalie’s throw, punt or drop kick.
3. Goals may not be scored by a player directly from a:
   
   1. Indirect free kick
   2. Throw-in
4. Mercy Rule: If a team is up by 8 points any time after the first half, the game will end.

Throw-in

1. A throw-in shall be awarded to a team when the opposing team last touches or plays the ball before the entire ball passes beyond the touchline either in the air or on the ground.
2. The ball shall be thrown in any direction from the point where it crosses the touchline by a player who is facing the field of play and has both feet on the ground and either on the touchline or behind the touchline. The thrower shall use both hands with equal force (unless a physical impairment exists) and shall deliver the ball from behind and over he head in one continuous motion. If the ball fails to enter the field of play, it shall be re-thrown. In the event of an improper throw the throw-in is awarded to the opposing team.
3. An opponent shall not interfere nor in any way impede the actions of the thrower while throw-in is being taken.
4. On a throw-in, the ball is playable when it has left the hands of the thrower and any part of the ball breaks the plane of the touchline. After the throw-in, the ball may be played by either team. The thrower may not play the ball until it has been touched by another player. Penalty: indirect free kick awarded to the opposing team from the spot of the infraction.
5. A throw-in cannot be picked up by a team’s own goalie. Penalty: indirect free kick awarded to the opponents from the spot of the infraction.

Free Kicks

1. Free kicks will be either direct or indirect. A goal may be scored from a direct kick, while an indirect kick is one in which a goal cannot be scored unless the ball is first touched by a player other than the kicker before entering the goal.
2. Free Kick Execution:
   
   1. Players opposing the kicker shall be at least 10 yards from the ball until it is kicked, unless they are standing on their own goal line between the goal post or the kicking team is taking a "quick kick". Penalty: An official shall caution a player who fails to move the required distance away from the ball.
   2. The ball shall be kicked while it is stationary on the ground at the spot specified by the official. If the free kick is awarded to the defending team in its penalty area, the ball is not in play until it is beyond the penalty area and into the field of play. Failure to kick the ball as specified shall result in a re-kick.
   3. After the free kick, the ball may be played by any player except the one who executed the free kick. The kicker may not play the ball until it has been touched or played by another player.
   4. All free kicks are taken from the point of the infraction
3. Indirect Free Kicks are awarded:
   
   1. If the goalkeeper handles a ball within their own penalty area deliberately played to them by a teammate.
   2. If a player, not in possession of the ball, obstructs an opponent who is attempting to play the ball. (“Obstruction/Impeding”).
   3. If a player throws/kicks ball to themselves during kick-in/throw-in.
   4. If the goalkeeper takes more than 5 seconds to release the ball.
   5. If the goalkeeper illegally handles the ball while in their own penalty area after once relinquishing possession of the ball.
   6. If the game is stopped for misconduct of a player and no other restart takes precedence.
   7. Offsides. (applies to GreenWaveGlory leagues only)
4. Direct Free Kicks are awarded:
   
   1. If a player attempts to kick, strike, or jump at an opponent..
   2. If a player trips an opponent.
   3. If a player, other than the goalkeeper in their own penalty area, handles the ball.
   4. If a player pushes an opponent with the hand(s) or arm(s) extended from the body.
   5. If a player holds an opponent or places a hand(s) on an opponent in an effort to reach the ball.
   6. If a player charges an opponent.
   7. If a player slides, even in an attempt to keep the ball in play. Sliding and slide tackling are not allowed in Tulane Intramural Soccer. If a player slides or slide tackles another player, a yellow card will be shown in addition to the free kick.

Penalty Kicks

1. A penalty kick shall be awarded when a foul, which ordinarily results in the awarding of a direct free kick, occurs within the offending team’s penalty area.
2. All players except the kicker and the opposing goalkeeper shall be within the field of play but outside the penalty area and at least 10 yards from the penalty kick line until the ball is kicked. Players must be outside the penalty area, outside the arc, and behind the ball.
3. The opposing goalkeeper shall stand with their feet on the goal line, between the goal post, until the ball is kicked. Lateral movement is allowed, but the goalkeeper is not permitted to come off the line by stepping or lunging forward until the ball is in play.
4. Encroachment by the defending team is ignored if the goal is scored. A re-kick is awarded if the goal is not scored.
5. Infringement by the attacking team results in a re-kick if a goal is scored. An indirect free kick at the spot of the infraction is awarded if the goal is missed.
6. If both teams commit infringements, the ball is re-kicked regardless of the outcome.
7. After the penalty kick, the ball may be played by any player except the one who executed the penalty kick. The kicker may not play the ball until it has been played by another player on either team. Penalty: indirect free kick awarded to the opponents from the spot of the second touching.
8. If the ball touches the goalkeeper before passing between the goalpost, when a penalty kick is taken at or after the expiration of time, it does not nullify any goal.
9. If necessary, play may be extended so that the penalty kick may 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.

Corner Kicks

1. A corner kick shall be awarded to the attacking team when the entire ball passes over the goal line, excluding that portion between the goalpost and under the crossbar, either in the air or on the ground, having last been touched or played by the defending team.
2. Players of the defending team shall be at least 10 yards from the ball until it has been kicked.
3. The ball shall be kicked from the ground within the quarter circle nearest where the ball left the field of play.
4. The ball shall be moved at least its full circumference before it is in play.
5. Failure to kick the ball as specified shall result in a re-kick.
6. After the corner kick, the ball may be played by any player except the one that executed the corner kick. The kicker may not play the ball until it has been touched or played by another player. Penalty: Indirect free kick is awarded to the opponent at the spot of the second touching.

Goal Kick

1. A goal kick shall be awarded to the defending team when the entire ball crosses the goal line, excluding the portion between the goalpost and under the crossbar, either in the air or on the ground, having last been touched or played by the attacking team.
2. Players opposing the kicker shall remain outside the penalty area until the ball has cleared the penalty area.
3. After the goal kick leaves the penalty area, the ball may be played by any player except the one that executes the goal kick. The kicker may not play the ball until it has been touched by another player.
4. A goal may be scored directly from a goal kick.

Goalie Privileges/Restrictions

1. A goalkeeper may not twice distribute the ball with their hands, unless a member of the opposing team has touched it.
2. A goalkeeper must distribute the ball within six seconds after gaining control of it. Penalty: Indirect Free Kick.
3. A goalkeeper may not set the ball down and then pick it up again using their hands.
4. The ball may not be deliberately kicked to the keeper’s hands by a member of their own team. This includes a series of passes among teammates back to the keeper’s hands. Penalty:an indirect free kick with be awarded to the offended team at the point of the infraction.
5. The goalie may not slide feet first. The goalie may use their feet to block a goal, but does not have the privilege to slide. If a goalie slides and makes contact with another player, they will be shown a yellow card as with any other player.
6. No player, including the goalie, may intentionally strike the opponents by throwing the ball at them or pushing them with the ball. Penalty: Direct Free Kick/Penalty Kick, based on location of the infraction. The offending player shall be ejected.
7. Outside the penalty area the goalie has no more privileges than any other player.
8. Within their own penalty area, the goalie has certain privileges that are not given to any other player. These include:
   
   1. Handling – the goalie may catch, carry, strike, or propel the ball with hands and arms.
   2. Immunity – the goalie may not be charged, interfered with or impeded in any manner by an opponent while in possession of the ball. Possession includes throwing the ball out, and dropping the ball to be kicked. Penalty: Direct Free Kick.

Offsides

1. A player is in an offside position when nearer to their opponents’ goal line than the ball, unless:
   
   1. the player is in their own half of the field or
   2. the player is not nearer to the opponent’s goal line than at least two opponents.
2. A player shall not be penalized for being in an offside position if the ball is received from a goal kick, corner kick or a throw in.
3. It is not an offense in itself to be in an offside position. A player shall only be penalized for being in an offside position if at the moment the ball touches or is played by a teammate, that player is involved in active play by:
   
   1. Interfering with play or with an opponent; or
   2. Gaining an advantage by being in that position
4. The offside rule shall only apply in GreenWaveGlory leagues.

Penalty

An Indirect Free Kick

Violations, Fouls and Misconduct

1. Sliding/Slide Tackling
   
   1. There is absolutely NO sliding in Tulane intramural soccer. Every slide is a foul and will result in a yellow card and direct free kick for the opposing team.
   2. Any slide that involves contact between players will result in a minimum automatic yellow card.
   3. Goalies are no exception. Goalkeepers are allowed to dive horizontally; however, if a goalkeeper’s feet make contact with the player on offense then the slide will be treated as if the goalie was a field player and will result in a minimum automatic yellow card. A red card can also be given at the discretion of the referee.
2. Kicking-Striking-Tripping-Jumping
   
   1. A player shall not attempt to or kick, strike, or jump at an opponent.
   2. A player shall not trip an opponent. This includes tripping or attempting to trip an opponent by use of the legs, or by stopping in front or behind an opponent in such a manner as to cause a fall or loss of balance.
   3. A goalkeeper shall not attempt to strike an opponent by throwing the ball at an opponent or by pushing an opponent with the ball while holding it.\
   4. Penalty: Direct Free Kick
3. A player, besides the goalie in their own penalty area, shall be penalized for intentionally handling, carrying, striking, or propelling the ball with a hand or arm. Penalty: Direct Free Kick
4. Holding and Pushing:
   
   1. A player shall not hold or push an opponent with the hand(s) or arm(s) extended from the body.
   2. A player shall not place a hand(s) on an opponent in an effort to reach the ball.
   3. Charging: A player shall not charge an opponent unfairly. An unfair charge is one in which a player does not use shoulder-to-shoulder contact with an opponent and/or does not have arms and elbows close to their body, and/or does not have at least one foot on the ground, when the ball is not being played, and the charge is done in a dangerous manner.
   4. A player having one or both feet on the ground shall not charge into an opponent who has both feet off the ground.
   5. A player shall not charge into the goalkeeper in the penalty area unless the goalkeeper is obstructing the player or dribbling the ball with the feet.
      1. An official shall disqualify, without caution, any player who flagrantly fouls the goalkeeper in possession of the ball.
      2. Possession or control of the ball includes 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.
   6. A player shall not charge into an opponent when neither player is within playing distance of the ball.
   7.  Outside the penalty area, the goalkeeper has no more privileges than any other player does
   8. Penalty: Direct Free Kick
5. Obstruction
   
   1. Obstruction is the intentional act made by a player not in possession of the ball and not attempting to play the ball. Running between an opponent and the ball or using the body as an obstacle is obstruction.
   2. 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, attempting to throw the ball, or tossing the ball in the air to re-catch.
   3. Penalty: Indirect Free Kick
6. Dangerous Play
   
   1. A player shall not participate in dangerous play, which is an act an official considers likely to cause injury to any player. This includes playing in such a manner which could cause injury to self or another player (opponent or teammate). Penalty: Indirect Free Kick

Player/Team Conduct

1. A Yellow/Red card system will be used to control unsportsmanlike conduct and improper behavior, persistent infringement of any rules of the game by player, coach and bench personnel.
2. A yellow card cautioned player must leave the field and may reenter upon the next legal substitution after at least 5 minutes. A cautioned player may be substituted for.
3. When cautioning a player, coach, or other bench personnel, the official shall display a yellow card and indicate the person concerned.
4. The second yellow card displayed on the same person in the same contest for any unsportsmanlike conduct shall result in a red card.
5. When ejecting a player, coach, or other bench personnel the official shall display a red card and indicate the person concerned. A player, coach or other bench personnel receiving a red card shall be ejected from the game and will be suspended from, at minimum, the next scheduled game.
6. Any player ejected from the game must leave the playing area and is not permitted to watch the remainder of the game.
7. A player that is ejected cannot be substituted for; the team must play a player down.
8. Team captains are responsible for the conduct of their players, sidelines, and spectators.
   
   1. if a player is red carded and refuses to tell their name, the captain is obligated to reveal the name or the team will be subject to a forfeit and further administrative action.
   2. Team captains who cannot or will not control their sidelines and/or spectators will be issued a caution (yellow card) and/or ejection (red card) if necessary.
9. A yellow card (caution) shall be issued to a player who:
   
   1. Persistently infringes upon any of the rules of the game.
   2. Shows dissent by word of mouth or action to decisions given by the referee.
   3. Is guilty of any incidental vulgar or profane language.
   4. Is guilty of unsportsmanlike conduct.
   5. Enters or leaves the field of play without the permission of the referee.
   6. Addresses the officials and questions their calls when not the designated captain.
   7. Is guilty of sliding with contact or near another player.
   8. Is guilty of an intentional/tactical foul.
   9. Commits any other offense the officials and supervisors determine necessitates caution.
10. A red card (ejection) shall be issued to any player who
    
    1. Receives a second yellow card
    2. Is guilty of violent conduct or serious foul play.
    3. Is abusive in language or gesture toward a player or official.
    4. Slides from behind or with violent contact as interpreted by the official.
    5. Persists in misconduct after receiving a caution.
    6. Is guilty of destruction or abuse of Campus Recreation property.
    7. Engages in fighting.
    8. Denies an obvious goal scoring opportunity by committing an offense punished by a direct free kick.
    9. Commits any other offense the officials and supervisors determine necessitates ejection.

3v3 Soccer Rules Modifications

Team Size

Teams may have three players on the field at a time, with up to five additional players as substitutes. For Mixed-Rec leagues, no more than two of the three on-field players at any given time may be male-identifying. Teams are required to have a minimum of three players at game time and throughout the game in order to play.

Goalkeeper

There will be no goalkeeper in 3v3 Soccer.

Timing

The game will be played in two halves of eight (8) minutes each, with a four (4) minute halftime.

Overtime (Postseason Only)

In the event of a tie at the end of regulation, a single three (3) minute golden goal period will be played. If still tied, kicks from the halfway mark will used to determine the result. For semifinals and championship games, two golden goal periods will be played before proceeding to kicks from the halfway mark. Regular season matches shall result in ties with no additional periods played.

Kick-Ins

All throw-ins shall instead be taken as kick-ins from the spot the ball went out-of-play.

Substitutions

Teams may freely substitute during any stoppage in play.

Free Kicks

All free kicks awarded shall be indirect free kicks.

Offside

There will be no offside rule in 3v3 soccer.

"No-Touch" Area

An area will be marked immediately in front of each goal (similar to, but smaller than, the 6-yard box in regular soccer) wherein no player from either team may touch or play the ball. If touched by the attacking team, a goal kick is awarded. If touched by the defending team, a corner kick is awarded. Note: If the referee determines a touch by the defending team in this area prevented a clear goal from being scored, a goal will be awarded and the guilty player shown a yellow card.

Sliding

 Any and all slides or slide tackles remain prohibited in 3v3 soccer and will be punished by a yellow card, at minimum.

Yellow/Red Cards

Sanctions remain the same for cards as in our 8v8 leagues (yellow: minimum five minute cooling-off period, red: ejection). Teams may substitute for a player who is cautioned or ejected, and the number of players on the field is not reduced in either case.

Sportsmanship

All Tulane Intramural Sports policies regarding conduct and sportsmanship remain in effect.