Rules of Play for Cabernet Indoor Sports

  1. Ball Size
    1. Size #5: U-13 through Adult
    2. Size #4: U-9 through U-12
    3. Size #3: U-8 and under
    4. Home team provides the ball
  2. Number of Players
    League Players Goalkeeper Coed Field
    U-7 4 vs. 4 No goalkeepers No Training field
    U-8 to U-11 6 vs. 6 Includes keeper No Medium field
    U-12 to Adults 7 vs. 7 Includes keeper Coed/ 3 women Large field
    Coed Adult 6 vs. 6 Includes keeper Coed/ 2 women Medium field
    1. Minimum Number of Players: The minimum number of players for the start of the game is 4 players, one of which is a goalkeeper.
    2. Coed Leagues, Minumum number of women: In Coed Leagues, at least 1 player must be a woman to start a game.
    3. Guest Player Policy: A team is allowed to use guest players who are not on the roster as long as the player has a current Cabernet Indoor Sports membership (or pays the 1 day membership temp fee). All guest players must check in at the front desk and be approved by desk staff. Failure to follow this policy could posssibly result in forfeiture for the team using non-rostered players. Youth leagues may have guest players from within the same division with the approval from the management and the opponent. There are absolutely NO GUEST PLAYERS allowed for any playoffs for either Adult or Youth.
    4. Play On Only One Team Per Division: Players can only play on 1 team per division. Divisions are separated by levels of play and weekday.
    5. Cabernet Indoor Sports Membership: All players must have a current Cabernet Indoor Sports membership and be on their team’s roster before the start of each game.
    6. Adult Age-Specific Leagues: Adults must be the age of the league during the session (e.g. over 30).
      1. The Over 30 Adult League allows women over the age of 27.
      2. The Mens 30+ League allows 1 male of the age of 27 & up.
    7. Liability Waivers: All players must have a signed waiver on file at an Cabernet Indoor Sports facility. Youth Players must have a parent or legal guardian sign on their behalf.
    8. Youth Age Deadlines: The age group a player is assigned depends on the player’s age on July 31st of the seasonal year (Same as Club play).
    9. “A” level players cannot play at the “C” level in Coed or Mens leagues. An exception can be made only if there is a forfeit at hand and the opposing team allows the guest player who is an “A” level player to play, and/or with management approval. “A” level players are defined as players that have professional, college, premier or who participate on an “A” level team. All teams in B & C, are allowed to have 3 players that are considered 1 level above the current level of the team on their roster. (Not to exceed 2 men, out of the 3 higher level players.) For Example, a “B” division team can have 3 “A” level players and a “C” division team may have 3 “B” level players. There may also be 1 woman allowed on a Men’s team roster.
    10. Coed Substitution Restrictions: Male players may not substitute for female players, however females may play in place of males.
    11. Special Rules Affecting Number of Players:
      1. 5 Goal Differential (U9 & up): If any team is down by 5 or more goals then they may add an additional player to the field.
      2. Mixed Age Leagues: Recreational youth teams playing up a year may get opposing teams approval to have an additional player on the field.
  3. Players’ Equipment
    1. Flat-soled or turf studded shoes designed for artificial surfaces must be used. NO CLEATS ALLOWED!.
    2. The goalkeeper must wear colors that distinguish them from all other players.
    3. All team members must wear the same color jerseys to distinguish them from the other the opposing team and the referee. Players are asked to bring an alternate shirt (dark and light).
    4. In the event both teams are the same color, the home team must change. Socks must be worn over shin guards and be pulled up to completely cover the shin guards. Goalkeepers or any other players wearing any kind of protective gear.
    5. All players with cast must have it wrapped in a manner acceptable to the referee. All other equipment the referee deems dangerous to players or opponents will not be allowed. By allowing them to play, Cabernet Indoor Sports in no way accepts responsibility for any aggravation of the injury that may occur while playing.
    6. A player may not wear items (watches, bracelets, wedding rings, etc.) which are dangerous to themselves or other players.
  4. The Referee
    1. Enforces Cabernet Indoor Sports Rules;
    2. Controls the match; Safety of Players
    3. Ensures that the players’ equipment meets the requirements of Law 3;
    4. Acts as timekeeper and keeps a record of the match;
    5. Stops, suspends or terminates the match, at his discretion, for any infringements of the Laws;
    6. Stops, suspends or terminates the match because of outside interference of any kind;
    7. Stops the match if, in his opinion, a player is seriously injured and ensures that he is removed from the field of play.
    8. Allows play to continue until the ball is out of play if a player is, by opinion, only slightly injured;
  5. The scorekeeper: Used for Men’s or COED only
    1. Starts and stops the clock;
    2. Records Goals and Assists by player;
    3. Records total fouls and cards by player;
    4. Assists the referee on activity behind his back at the referee’s request.
  6. Duration of Match
    1. Length of Halves: All games consist of two 23 minute halves.
    2. Half-Time Interval: The half-time interval will be 30 seconds. In the interest of time constraints the half-time may be shortened to catch up on lost time due to injuries or other stoppages in play.
    3. Time Between Games: Time between games shall be 1 ½ minutes and teams are required to be ready to play. Time constraints may also require this interval to be shortened.
    4. Time Stoppage for Serious Injury: The clock may be stopped for serious injuries or if the ball leaves the perimeter wall, at referees discretion.
    5. Substitution Required: When time is stopped for an injury, the injured player must leave the game for a substitute. Any player who suffers a head injury will not be allowed to re-enter the game.
    6. Goal Keeper Exception: If it is the goalkeeper whose injuries require the clock to be stopped and the keeper is able to continue to play they may forgo substitution and continue to play.
    7. Restart of Clock: After the time between games or after the half-time has expired, the game clock will be started regardless if the teams are on the field.
    8. Goal Scored While Opponent Short-Handed: If the team with the kickoff scores while the opposing team is shorthanded, the goal will count.
  7. Start and Stop of Play
    1. Forfeit Declared: A forfeit is declared when a team is unable to put the minimum number of players on the field within 5 minutes after the game start time. The game clock will continue to run while the team is attempting to field their players and the time elapsed will not be reinstated.
    2. Teams with a forfeit in a current or previous session due to "not fielding a team" may be required to post a $100.00 deposit to Cabernet Sports which will be returned to them at the end of the following season if no further forfeits occur. In the case of a forfeit, the deposit will be taken and the team effected will receive $50.00 toward their next session with the remainder being retained by Cabernet Indoor Sports.
    3. Forfeits Not Rescheduled: Forfeits are rescheduled only if it was an administrative error.
    4. Whistle Signals Start: A whistle by the referee is necessary for taking kickoffs.
    5. Visiting Team Kicks Off: The Visiting team shall kick off to start the game.
    6. Half Time Switch: At each half, teams will switch sides and the Home team kicks off to start the second half.
    7. Kickoffs are direct on the Large field. Kickoffs are indirect on the Medium field: a goal cannot be scored directly from a kickoff.
    8. 5 Seconds to Play Ball: The ball must be played within 5 seconds after the referee has signaled for play to begin or the opposing team is awarded the ball.
    9. Kick-Off Direction: On a kickoff the ball may be kicked in any direction.
    10. Players Must Be On Own Side: All players must be on their own side of the field at the start of each kickoff.
  8. Ball In/Out of Play
    1. Out of Bounds: The ball is out of play when it touches the netting above the wall or goes completely over the wall.
    2. Kick In: When the ball passes over the perimeter wall or the netting, it shall be kicked in from the point where if passed over the wall or hit the netting and within 3 feet of the wall. The ball may be played in any direction by a player of the team opposite to that of the player who last touched it before it left the field. The ball shall be in play immediately after it has traveled half of its circumference.
    3. Throw In: When the ball hits the netting over the end perimeter wall between the corner marks (excluding when a goal is scored) having last been played by one of the opposing team shall be restarted with a goalkeeper throw in, from any point within the penalty arc. The ball must be distributed to another player outside the penalty box within 5 seconds.
    4. Injury Stoppage: Play will restart with the team in possession the moment the injury occurs. If neither team had clear possession, the game will be restarted with a drop ball.
    5. Corner Kick: When the ball hits the netting over the end perimeter wall between the corner marks (excluding when a goal is scored) having last been played by a player on the defending team, play shall be restarted with a corner kick. The ball will be placed on the corner spot nearest the point where the ball made contact with the netting. A goal may be scored directly from such a kick.
    6. Ceiling Out of Bounds: The ball is out of play when it makes contact with the ceiling. It is then placed on the nearest white line to where the ball was last kicked and a Indirect kick is awarded to the opposing team.
  9. Three Line Violation
    1. Defined: A three-line violation is defined as the ball having crossed, in the air, over all 3 white lines without touching a wall, the ground or a player between the white lines. An Indirect Kick is awarded at the white line closest to the origin of the pass.
    2. Penalty: Violations will result in a Direct Free Kick by the opposing team from the first line the ball crossed.
    3. Exception: No three line penalty will be given to any team playing with two players less than the opposing team.
  10. Restarts
    1. Indirect Free Kicks: Kickoffs at the start of a half or after a goal, all nets, and restarts after an injury time out are Indirect Fee Kicks. All other re-starts are Direct Free Kicks.
    2. Free Kicks: The following apply to all restarts:
      1. No Second Touch: The player taking the kick cannot play the ball until someone else touches the ball.
      2. 5 Second Rule: If a player taking a kick delays longer than 5 seconds after having placed the ball for restart, the ball will be turned over to the opposing team to take the restart.
    3. Penalty Kicks:
      1. PK Awarded: Penalty kicks are awarded when a defensive Physical Foul takes place in the goal box or is an attempt to deny an obvious scoring opportunity. This will result in an automatic blue card or higher.
      2. Top of Arc: Penalty kicks shall be taken from the top of the arc. Taken by any player on the field.
      3. Clock Not a Factor: If the clock stops for half-time or the end of the game, prior to the penalty kick, then the kick will be immediately taken by one of the players on the field at that time (Rebounds will not be playable.)
      4. Players Behind Line: All players, other than the goalkeeper and the kicker, must be behind the white line until the ball has been played.
      5. Referee’s Whistle Signals Start: Once the ball has been spotted and the goalkeeper has stated that they are ready the referee will blow their whistle to signal the restart. The kicking player has five seconds to play the ball. Failure to play the ball within five seconds will result in a goalkeepers throw in.
      6. GK Stays on Goal Line: The goalkeeper cannot leave the goal line prior to the ball being struck, but may move side to side as long as they stay on the goal line.
      7. Penalty if GK leaves Goal Line Early: If the goalkeeper leaves the goal line early and a goal is scored the goal will count. If the shot is missed or blocked the shot is retaken.
    4. Penalty Arc Restarts: The following goalkeeper violations shall cause the referee to stop play and award a direct free kick to the opponents at the top of the arc.
      1. Pass Back to Hands: The goalkeeper may not use their hands when the ball is passed or intentionally deflected, with the foot, to them from a teammate.
      2. 5 Second Violation: The goalkeeper with the ball in their hands has five seconds to distribute the ball outside the box. Just dropping the ball to their feet inside the box does not stop the count.
      3. Play Ball into Box: The keeper CANNOT go outside the box and play the ball into the box and then play it with their hands. On any field.
      4. Non-Physical Defensive Fouls: Any foul committed by a defensive player in his/her goal box which does not result in a card being issued.
  11. Substitutions
    1. Substitutions are made during the play of the game. The referee will not stop either the game or time for a substitution.
    2. Player’s Box: Substitutions must be made within 10 feet of your own player box area except in the case of injury.
    3. Player Entering Must Wait: The player coming off the field must be within 10 feet of your box before the player replacing him/her may enter the field of play.
    4. Possibly Penalty: If players continue to enter the field of play before the exiting player is within 10 feet it may result in a blue card.
    5. Possible Penalty: If the player entering the field of play gets involved in playing the ball before the player exiting is off the field this will result in a blue card.
    6. One Substitution: Only one substitution is allowed at one time except at kickoff or approved stoppage of play.
    7. Goalkeeper substitutions: A team can change its GK either during the play of the game as stated above or teams may request the referee for a goalkeeper change at the next dead ball. If this occurs the referee will hold play (when doing so will not take away an advantage for the opposing team) while the goalkeeper change is made within a reasonable time frame (10 - 15 seconds).
  12. Fouls & Misconduct
    1. A player who commits any of the following offenses shall be penalized by the referee awarding a direct free kick to be taken by the opposing team from the point of infraction, at the referee’s discretion. There will be no whistle to restart. All calls are at the discretion of the referee. Physical Fouls:
    2. Kicking: Inadvertently kicks an opponent while attempting to strike the ball.
    3. Tripping: Inadvertently trips and opponent while attempting to play the ball.
    4. Charging: Inadvertently charges into an opponent while attempting to play the ball.
    5. Obstructing: When not playing the ball, intentionally obstructs an opponent by standing between the opponent and the ball so as to form an obstacle. Obstruction is not called when a player has a ball and is shielding so as to prevent an opposing player from stealing the ball or if the ball is kicked down the field and a player attempts to run through an opponent whose has established position.
    6. Pushing: Pushes a player in an attempt to prevent them from getting to the ball.
    7. Dangerous Play: Playing in such a manner as to be out of control.
    8. Charging the Goalkeeper: Charging into the goalkeeper.
    9. Playing Ball While on the Ground: Except for the goalkeeper in his own goal box, playing the ball, offensively or defensively, while on the ground or while having a part of your body, other than your feet (3-point rule) on the ground.
    10. Hand Ball: Intentionally plays the ball with the hand and gains control or an advantage from the handball.
    11. Holding: Holds an opponent to prevent them from playing the ball or defending.
    12. Jumping: Jumps at an opponent.
    13. Striking: Unintentionally strikes an opponent.
    14. Advantage: Advantage is to be used at the referee’s discretion and in the offensive end.
    15. The referee, at his/her discretion, may call a foul for any player placing two hands simultaneously on the glass if it is perceived that the player is using the hands to create leverage or to create an advantage. This rule is for the safety of our players and may be called by a ref to ensure a safe environment can be maintained while play is in close proximity to the boards. By rule - two hands on the wall is not always a foul, but will be primarily called when opposing teams players initiate play against the boards and one places their hands on the wall. This stoppage results in a free kick.
    16. GK Slide: If the goalkeeper begins a slide inside the box (allowed) and as a result of their slide goes outside the box they will be called for a foul.
    17. GK Handball: The goalkeeper may not reach outside the goal box and use their hands, even if they are standing inside the goal box (Non-Physical Foul).
  13. Time Penalties
    Penalties assessed to players during the game shall be divided into the following categories
      Blue Yellow Red
    Duration 2 minutes 4 minutes 5 minutes
    If opponent scores Team returns to full strength Team returns to full strength Team reamins short-handed for entire duration
    Individual Foul Serves duration off field Serves duration off field Ejected. Must exit building promptly
    Team Foul Player serving penalty may return Player serving penalty may return N/A

    Time penalties may be assessed against players regardless of whether or not play is in progress. Time penalties that do not expire by the end of the first half are continued in the second half.

    1. Blue Card Penalties: A player who commits any of the following offenses shall be penalized by the referee issuing a blue card that will result in the player serving a two minute penalty. Once the blue card has been issued the penalty time will not begin until the player has left the field. Calls are at the referee’s discretion.
      1. Intent: Any foul defined in section 12, which in the referee’s judgment was intentional may result in a Blue Card or more severe penalty.
      2. Boarding: Propels an opponent into the boards in a violent manner. A trip that inadvertently causes a player to make contact with the boards may not result in a blue card.
      3. Sliding: Any slide, whether offensive or defensive, where a player slides toward the ball or another player in an attempt to gain possession or kick the ball is not allowed. This also applies to a goalkeeper who begins their slide outside the box. A reach for the ball by going to one knee could be considered a slide.
      4. Unsportsmanlike conduct: Unsportsmanlike conduct includes, but is not limited, to the following:
        1. Persistent Disregard: Persistent disregard for the rules.
        2. Dissent: Any dissent by word or action regarding a referee’s decision.
        3. Taunting: Taunting another team/player in a manner so as to cause a confrontation.
        4. Encouraging Harm: Encouraging players by word or action to foul, harm or retaliate against an opponent.
      5. GK Obstruction: Obstructing the keeper in any manner, as they attempt to distribute the ball.
      6. Intentionally Distracting: Making a loud noise or action intended to distract an opponent.
      7. Illegal Substitution: Making an illegal substitution (as defined above).
      8. 6th Foul in a Half: A team will be issued a 2 minute bench penalty for every sixth foul committed in a half.
      9. GK Protection: Kicking or striking the keeper while the keeper has possession of the ball.
      10. Failure to Yield: Fails to retreat 10 feet from the ball by the time it is put into play. If after giving 10 feet, the player moves towards the ball and is struck by the ball, they will serve a penalty.
      11. Failure to leave Field: A player must immediately leave the field after receiving a blue card, or they will receive a second blue card, which will be accompanied by a yellow card. If the player continues to refuse to leave the field or delays the game further they will be issued a third blue card accompanied by a red card and ejected from the game.
      12. Foul in Goal Box: A player will receive an automatic blue card if they are whistled for a foul in the goal box.
    2. Yellow Cards Penalties: A player who commits any of the following shall be penalized by the referee issuing a yellow card which will result in the player serving a 4 minute penalty. A player receiving a second blue card will be shown a yellow card and must serve 4 minutes instead of 2 minutes. Any player receiving any other time penalties after a yellow card will be issued a red card and ejected from the game.
      1. Persistently Infringes: A player persistently infringes on the rules.
      2. Persistent Dissents: A player persistently dissents by word or action any referee’s decisions.
      3. Persistent Unsportsmanlike Conduct: A player is guilty of persistent unsportsmanlike conduct.
      4. 12th Foul in Half: A team will be issued a 4 minute bench time penalty for every 12th foul committed in a half.
      5. Aggravated Manner: Commits any act defined in section 13.1 intentionally and in an aggravated manner that is more likely to cause harm to an opposing player.
    3. Red Card Penalties: Red cards are issued for the following infractions followed by ejection from the game. A player issued a red card will re required to leave the premises. Any player refusing to leave after being asked by the person in charge, whether it is a referee or office personnel, may result in the police being called and a complaint filed.
      1. Violently Kicks: Kicks or attempts to kick an opponent in a violent manner, when not attempting to play the ball, or in retaliation for a perceived foul.
      2. Spits: Spits at an opponent or on the field on intentionally expels other bodily fluids on the field.
      3. Strikes: Strikes or attempts to strike an opponent whether as the aggressor or in retaliation for a perceived foul.
      4. Violent Conduct: Is guilty of a violent conduct or serious foul play.
      5. Foul or Abusive Language: Uses foul or abusive language in a confrontational manner.
      6. Fighting: Fighting, regardless of the reason.
      7. Leaves Bench: If a player leaves the bench to become involved in a fight, even if intent is to break up the fight.
      8. Bench Clears: If more than one player leaves the bench, the players who left the bench will be issued red cards. The game will be stopped and the team whose players left the bench will be assessed a forfeit for the game.
      9. Dual Abandonment: In the event players from both teams leave the bench, players that left the bench will be issued red cards, the game will stop and both teams issued forfeits for the game.
      10. Referee Abuse: Any abuse of the referee whether verbal or physical. Verbal abuse may be defined, but is not limited to, swearing at or threatening a referee, or disputing a call in an overly aggressive manner, in an attempt to intimidate the referee.
      11. 18th Foul in a Half: A team will be issued a red card for the 18th foul committed in one half. They will then play down a player for 5 minutes regardless, even if a goal is scored.
  14. Serving Penalties
    1. Serve Your Own: All players, including the goalkeeper, must serve their own penalties.
    2. After Opponent Scores: If a goal is scored against a team that is playing shorthanded, except when a red card was issued, then that team may return one player to the field, but the player who was penalized (including the goalkeeper) must continue to serve their penalty.
    3. Team Penalty: A team that has committed 6/12/18 fouls in a half and has received a blue/yellow/red card as a result may pick the player who will serve the penalty; it does not have to be the player who committed the last foul. The person serving the penalty may return to the field if the other team scores a goal.
    4. Playing Short by 2: When a team has two players who have received cards and the opposing team scores a goal, only the first player penalized can be replaced. If another goal is scored then the second player may also be replaced even though both players must serve out their penalties.
    5. Both Teams Serving Penalties: If one player from each team is serving a penalty or an equal number of time penalties are being elapsed when a goal is scored, teams continue to play shorthanded until the penalties are served.
    6. Maximum of 2 Simultaneous Penalties: A maximum of two penalties against one team shall be served simultaneously. If a player is penalized while two players on the same team are serving penalties then the penalty time of the third, fourth, etc player shall not commence until the first penalty time of the two players expires. However, the player assessed the third, fourth, etc penalty must leave the field and be replaced by a teammate until their time begins.
    7. Play Shorthanded: In all cases where a 2 minute penalty is issued the team will play shorthand.
  15. Ejections and Suspensions
    1. Red Card is Automatic Ejection: A person receiving a red card will be ejected form the game and must leave the premises. The person will be suspended through at least one additional division game. The suspension includes all play at the facility, including play with other teams, for the duration of the suspension.
    2. Fighting 1 Year Ejection: A person receiving a red card for fighting will be suspended from all play at the facility for a period up to one year.
    3. Referee Intimidation 1 Year Ejection: A person who makes an attempt to intimidate the referee by threat of physical abuse, pushing or attempting to make contact with the referee will be suspended from all play at the facility for a period of one year.
    4. Striking an Employee Permanent Ejection: A person who strikes or attempts to strike any Cabernet Indoor Sports employee shall receive a permanent suspension from the facility and will be excluded from any event at Cabernet Indoor Sports, including tournaments. Cabernet Indoor Sports will also file a criminal complaint with the police whenever an employee is struck in the conduct of their duties.
    5. Ejections Carry Over Sessions: In all instances, where necessary, suspensions will carry over into the next session.
    6. Failure to Provide Name: When a player receives a red card they must give the referee their full name and failure to do so will result in a forfeit of the game for the team with which the player was playing on.
    7. Suspension Discretion: Suspensions can be extended beyond what is listed above for repeat offenders or depending on the circumstances.
  16. Tie Games
    1. No Tie Breakers During Regular Season: Games resulting in a tie during regular season play end in a tie.
    2. There are tie Breakers During Playoffs and Championship Games only.
    3. Tie Breaker/ Golden Goal: If a playoff or championship game ends in a tie, You will continue to play up to a 5 minute over time period with the first goal to score being the winning goal- Golden Goal.
    4. 3 Shooters: If game is still in a tie after the 5 minute OT; Each team must declare 3 shooters in order.
    5. Coin Flip Determines Order: A coin flip is used to determine which team shoots first
    6. Alternate Shooters: Teams alternate shooters.
    7. Conclusion: The game is over when one team cannot catch up with the remaining shots left.
    8. Extension of Shoot-out: If the game is still tied the remaining players including the goalkeeper alternate shots in a defined order until one team makes one more shot than the other after an equal number of shots.
    9. Equal Number of Players: Both teams must have an equal number of players participating in the shootout. If one team has more players than the other, the team with more players must exclude the number of players necessary to equate to the second team’s head count.
  17. Special Rules
    1. Mercy Rule: If a team is up by 5 goals, the losing team may add another player. If the goal differential increases to 8 goals, the winning team may not have more than 2 offensive players beyond the final offensive third. The losing keeps the additional player until the lead is less than 5.
      1. Restart: The restart on a disallowed goal is a throw in by the goalkeeper.
    2. Coed Macho Rule: The intent of this rule is to protect female players from uncontrolled and unreasonably aggressive play by male players. If the referee feels a male player, in the reasonable belief of a female player, intimidates or threatens a female player, on his team or the opposing team, through aggressive or forceful play, a foul may be called and a direct free kick awarded including:
      1. High/Hard Kicks: Any kick (or goalkeeper throw) taken with excessive force in the direction of a female player, and within an arc described by her arm span, and which rises above waist level in relation to that player. The ball need not make contact with the player in question for a foul to be called.
      2. Physical or Verbal Intimidation: Any attempt to take advantage of gender differences through physical or verbal intimidation.
    Application of Macho Rule
      Coed A Coed B Coed C Coed D Coed Beginner
    Field Player No Yes Yes Yes Yes
    Goalkeeper No No Yes Yes Yes
  18. Other Rules
    1. Players’ Box: No one except coaches and players currently playing are allowed in the team boxes (maximum of 2 coaches that must be on the roster). No children other than those playing the present game are allowed in the boxes.
    2. Photography: No videotaping or photography is allowed from inside the player’s boxes.
    3. Glass Containers Prohibited: No glass containers in the boxes. Water only in the team/players Box!
    4. Leave the Bench Neat for Next Team: Exit the field after your game and PLEASE pick up belongings and garbage to leave the box clean for the next game.
    5. No Alcohol or Prohibited Food Products: No smoking is allowed and no chewing tobacco, gum or alcohol may be brought into the premises.