Guide to Indoor League Rules

If the child is not listed on the roster, they will not be able to participate. GSIFP will accept U.S. Club, AYSO, CalNorth, and any USSF‑sanctioned league passes.

A. Game Structure

I. Two 12‑minute halves for 6U

II. Two 15‑minute halves for 8U

III. Two 20‑minute halves for 10U & up

IV. Teams have 5 minutes to start the game or it will be counted as a forfeit V. 5‑minute halftime break

B. Point System

I. 3 points for a win

II. 1 point for a tie

III. 0 points for a loss

Tie Breaker

I. Head‑to‑head competition

II. Goals in favor (goals scored minus goals allowed)

III. Goals received

IV. Coin toss

C. General and Pre‑Game Information

I. Matches will be played according to standard indoor rules II. Each team will check in 15 minutes prior to their game

III. Team listed first on the schedule is the home team

IV. Team uniforms must match (if more than one player has the same number, tape must be used to change the jersey number)

V. If two teams in any given match have identical or very similar uniform colors, it is the responsibility of the home team to change color or use pinnies

VI. Casts, splints, or body braces made of any hard substances are not allowed, even if wrapped with soft materials. Leg braces must not have any exposed hard surfaces and must be approved by the game referee

VII. Medical alert bracelets and medical alert necklaces must be taped to the body with the medical alert message visible. Taping over any other jewelry is unacceptable

VIII. The referee always has the final word on any safety issues

IX. Good sportsmanship is one of the basic principles of GSIFP and is expected from all players, coaches, and parents. Please make sure you share this information with your respective teams

X. Zero tolerance for any individual, team, or coach that doesn’t follow rules

XI. No yelling at the referee

XII. Remember we are here for the KIDS — winning at all cost shouldn’t be your main focus. Let the KIDS have fun and enjoy the beautiful game of soccer

D. Standard Indoor Rules

I. Only one hand on the wall at a time

II. Two hands on the wall will result in a foul

III. No offsides

IV. Unlimited substitutions while the ball is in play

V. Free kick awarded: 1. Team cannot advance the ball in the air across the halfway line without touching a person or the wall first. (Free kick for the opposing team on their defensive line.) 2. Any ball that hits the ceiling or net around the field 3. Any ball considered out of bounds is re‑started within 3 ft of the wall and must be played within 5 seconds. All others must wait for the whistle, at which time the 5‑second rule applies — including re‑starts after a goal is scored. Failure to do so will result in loss of possession.

VI. No goal kicks. Goalkeepers will restart the ball (punt or throw) within 5 seconds.

VII. Goalkeepers may pick up a pass back ONLY if the ball is played from outside the goal box and the ball bounces off the wall, or is played by header and/or chest.

VIII. The goalkeeper may NOT bring the ball into the goal box and pick it up. Doing so will result in a shootout for the opposing team.

IX. NO sliding or slide tackles except for the goalkeeper in the box ONLY.

E. Fouls and Misconduct

I. A player will be sent to the bench (2 minutes) upon accumulation of 3 personal fouls (blue card). If the opposing team scores during the 2 minutes, the player is allowed to re‑enter the playing field.

II. 5 team fouls will result in 2 minutes on the bench for the player committing the 5th foul. If the opposing team scores during the 2 minutes, the player is allowed to re‑enter the playing field.

III. Every foul from the 11th and beyond will result in a penalty kick from the top of the arc. 1. If the 5th team foul results in a direct red card, that player AND one other player must serve 2 minutes on the bench. 2. Teams will be charged with “Delay of Game,” resulting in a foul that counts toward the 5 team fouls, for having unauthorized persons on the bench. Only players and Coach/Assistant Coach are allowed in the player bench area. ALL coaches must be on the roster. 3. Delay of game for not allowing mandatory 3‑yard clearance immediately for ALL re‑starts will result in a yellow card. 4. Boarding is illegal and can result in either a direct free kick or ejection (blue/red card).

Boarding is defined as: “putting an opponent into glass and/or boards.”

X. Automatic Ejection (Team or Individual)

I. Fighting / Spitting

II. Consistent abusive language toward the referees, opponents, or even your own team

III. Player ejected from the game after the 3rd card given

GSIFP wants all teams to have the best experience possible in a fun, safe, family environment. We ask that all teams, parents, and individuals help accomplish this goal. GSIFP has the doors open for any ideas that can help make your experience a success — please feel free to share them with us at any time.

Note: Fields and time played may change slightly depending on home team availability. Please make sure all coaches are familiar with game rules.