Membership

All participants must have a SoccerZone membership card. Annual membership is $10. Non member one day temporary cards are available for $5. Membership is good for all SoccerZone sports.

Team Registration

A $150 non refundable deposit is required to register a team. The $150 deposit will be applied towards the full amount of the team fee. Full payment is required by the start of the second game or the team will be assessed a $25 late fee. If the remaining balance is not paid by the third game, the team will not be allowed to play any further games until the balance is paid in full.

Team Managers/Coaches

Team managers/coaches are the representatives for the team and are responsible for passing on any information that SoccerZone needs to communicate to each team. The team manager/coach is also responsible for seeing that all team fees are paid on time and ensuring that his or her team is aware of the rules of the game as well as all SoccerZone rules and policies.

Leagues

Our leagues are designed to provide the best soccer experience possible. SoccerZone strives to have:

• Well refereed games
• Competitive divisions
• A clean, safe facility
• Friendly efficient service
• Timely communication
• Convenient other services

 Well Refereed Games

 We recruit and train the best referees that we can. The referees are evaluated on a regular basis which includes regular, documented observations as well as customer feedback. SoccerZone appreciates feedback on referees, both good and bad. We ask that customers realize that referees are not infallible machines and will miss some calls.

 We ask that players, spectators, parents and coaches restrain from yelling derogatory comments to the referees. SoccerZone, however, would love to hear your comments about the refereeing at our facility. A facility staff member is more than happy to record your feedback. We have a reliable feedback system that uses customer input as a means of improving referee performance.

League Policies

• All leagues may be scheduled on various days to maximize arena use, but generally most of your games will fall on one day of the week.
• Teams may be scheduled for occasional double headers during the season.
• Players must play in at least two regular league games to qualify to play in playoff games.
• Teams must turn in a roster at their first game. The roster can be updated anytime. However, players must play in at least two regular league games to qualify to play in playoff games.
• Forfeits will be declared for games involving ineligible players, ineligible age players, suspended players, or players with expired or no membership cards. The score of a forfeit game will be 2-0. Any team that accrues 3 forfeits in one season will be expelled from the league. The winning team in a forfeited game has the following options: 1)Use the arena during the regularly scheduled game time for a closed practice where no referee will be provided or 2) Agree to scrimmage the forfeiting team by sharing players and/or allowing the forfeiting team to pick up non-rostered players.
• Players posing as another person or using false information when joining SoccerZone will be considered an illegal player and all games involving that player will constitute a forfeit. The guilty player will also be suspended from further activity at SoccerZone pending the judiciary committee ruling.
• Playing while knowingly suspended will result in a forfeit of the game and the guilty player will be suspended from further activity at SoccerZone pending the judiciary committee ruling.
• People signing waivers for minors that are not legally eligible to do so will result in a forfeit of the game and the guilty player will be suspended from further activity at SoccerZone pending the judiciary committee ruling.
• Teams will be penalized $15 for no-shows, which mean having less than 4 players available at game time. If teams know they will not be able to attend a scheduled game we ask that you notify us no less than 48 hours prior to the game to give us time to contact the opposing team and the referee. Teams that give us the 48 hour notice will not be levied the $15 fine.
• Teams may request that games be rescheduled provided at least a 7-day notice is given. SoccerZone will investigate the possibility but will not guarantee a reschedule. However, during SoccerZone’s seasonally busy months, time may simply not be available for rescheduled games. In the event we can not accommodate a reschedule, the requesting team must accept a forfeit.
• Protests regarding the incorrect application of SoccerZone’s rules of indoor soccer or player eligibility must be in written form and submitted to SoccerZone no later than 24 hours after the end of the disputed game. The ruling will be made by the SoccerZone judiciary committee prior to the protesting team’s next game.
• If a team must withdraw from the league for their own reasons or if they are kicked out for violating SoccerZone rules and/or policies, the league fee will not be refunded.
• SoccerZone reserves the right to relegate or promote teams and or players to leagues other than the requested league to ensure fun and competitive games. SoccerZone will work with teams to give them their requested night. However, we place a higher value on competitive games than teams' preferred game night.
• Adults must be the age of their league before their last game of the session (i.e. over 25, over 30 etc.
• Players may not play on more than one team in a division.

Schedules and Standings

The schedules and standings are available at the arena and also on SoccerZone's web site: www.soccerzoneaustin.com

 We make it a priority to keep the web site up to date. We ask that you please check the web site before calling the facility to ask for your game time. However, if you must call, we will be happy to give you any information you need.

Standings will be determined by points. Six points for a win, three for a tie and zero for a loss with one point for each goal up to three and 1 point for a shutout. Tie breakers to determine playoffs will be head-to-head followed by goal differential, least goals allowed, most goals scored then coin toss.

Playoff games which end in a tie will have two 5 minute sudden death (golden goal) periods. The game ends when the first goal is scored. A shoot out will follow if no goals are scored during sudden death overtime.

Customer's Rights

• A clean facility
• High quality facility and services which includes referees, schedules and programs.
• A trained, responsive and courteous staff, open to customer input.
• Timely information on SoccerZone's programs changes or additions.

Please talk to the host or facility manager if you feel any of the above is not happening to your satisfaction. SoccerZone appreciates the input of customers who care enough to tell us when we don't meet your expectations.

Customer's Responsibility

• Consider the safety of others and yourself as the highest priority.
• Play for the fun and enjoyment of the sport and always be a good sport.
• Timely payments for services.
• Maintain emotional control while participating or observing.
• Respect the arena and help keep the facility clean.
• Treat other players, teammates and SoccerZone employees with respect.
• Make us aware of any problems as soon as possible so we can fix them.
• Keep yourself updated with the latest information.
• Be on time for games and practices.

Special Youth Policies

Our Youth Objectives

• Develop physical fitness through soccer.
• Develop individual's soccer skills.
• Assist in the youth soccer development of the local community.
• Provide a fun, safe means of exercise for kids.

SoccerZone provides the above objectives through a variety of programs: SoccerTots for 18 months to 6 year olds, Soccer Touch for 7 to 9 year olds, classes for 10-16 year olds, camps, tournaments, coaches' clinics and leagues.

Youth Leagues

SoccerZone would love to see every game determined by a single goal. This is our objective when we form leagues. Sometimes the games become lopsided for one reason or another. We do our best to match teams in leagues as closely as possible. To accomplish this we ask teams to register in the age and level that they played the outdoor soccer the previous fall. This simply gives us a consistent basis in which to place teams.

Sometimes we need to match up teams of different ages in order to provide variety of competition. We realize that a single year can make a big difference which is why we have the following policies:

• Youth leagues are divided by age using the standard outdoor terminology U12, U11 which means "under 12" and "under 11".
• SoccerZone uses the same age cut off as the South Texas Youth Soccer Association. Our youth leagues that play in the winter, spring and summer use the same age cutoff that the outdoor soccer leagues use in the previous fall. For consistency purposes, we ask all teams to register for the leagues that they played in during the previous outdoor fall session. The age cutoff is the youth’s age as of August 1.
• SoccerZone will not match up teams more than two years apart. This is to prevent injuries to the younger, smaller players. This rule applies regardless of soccer skill and ability.
• Teams playing an older team may use an extra player on the field. This rule does not apply to select teams unless they are playing an older select team.
• SoccerZone will determine the desires of the team if we have to schedule you out of your age group.
• If under 19, players must present a birth certificate if requested at the time membership cards are made or when age is questioned by another team.
• When the goal differential of any game increases to four or more, the losing team may add an extra player but must pull the extra player off when the differential decreases below four. The losing team may also add an extra player for each 2 goals above the four goal differential.

Special Adult Policies

Levels

Adult Leagues are divided into levels in order to group players for competitive parity. The highest level, "1" is for highly skilled, experienced and athletically fit players. "2" and "3" are for general competitive play depending upon soccer skill, athletic ability and general fitness. The availability of levels on a certain night will depend upon the number of registered teams.

Player Eligibility and Competition Policy

• Players will be "designated" at the level of the highest league in which they participate.
• Players cannot play two leagues below the level of their designation. I.e. a "1" player may not play in a "3" division or a "2" player may not play in a “4” division.
• SoccerZone reserves the right to designate players a level even though they are not currently in that league. I.e. a "1" player cannot play in the “4” division even if it is the only league in which they play.
• Teams may only have three players with a higher designation on their rosters. I.e. a Coed-4 team may have only three Coed-3 players on it.
• There is a three goal per game limit on players playing in a league in which they have a higher designation. I.e. "1" players may only score three goals in a Coed-2 game. Any further goals by that player will not be counted. Goalie throw in will be taken after all "non-counted goals".

Scoring

In all Coed leagues, all goals scored by women are worth two points. All goals scored by men are worth one point.

Rules of the Game

SoccerZone House Rules

• SoccerZone has zero tolerance for the consumption of drugs or alcohol by any person prior to playing or participating in any activities in the arena. Violation of this rule will result in indefinite suspension.
• Smoking, chewing or dipping of tobacco is not allowed inside SoccerZone facilities. Sunflower seeds or similar products are also forbidden.
• No food, drinks, or chewing gum permitted on playing surface.
• Home teams must change jerseys in the event of a color conflict.
• Spitting on the playing surface or in the team box will result in a blue card penalty. Continued violations will result in a red card. Please use the garbage cans in the team boxes.
• The game clock will begin at the scheduled start time regardless of the readiness of the teams to play. The referee will then start the game when the teams are ready. A forfeit will be declared if a team is not ready 5 minutes after the referee has started a game clock. SoccerZone places importance in starting games at their designated start times. Please help us in this effort by being ready at game time.
• Substitutions are made at any time without stopping the game. Goalie changes are made in the same manner as a field player substitution
• Standings will be determined by points. Three points for a win, one for a tie and zero for a loss. One point for each goal up to three. One point for a shutout. Tie breakers to determine playoffs will be head-to-head followed by goal differential, least goals allowed, most goals scored then coin toss.
• Games time consists of two running 20 minute halves with a 1 minute halftime.
• Playoff games which end in a tie will have two 5 minute sudden death (golden goal) periods. The game ends when the first goal is scored. A shoot out will follow if no goals are scored during sudden death overtime.
• Verbal abuse of the referee, the other team, spectators or teammates by any person will not be tolerated. Violators will be barred from further participation.
• Players receiving three penalties in one game will be ejected from the game.
• When the goal differential of a game reaches four or more (five or more for coed), the losing team has the option to put another player on the field. An additional player may be added for every two unanswered goals thereafter. They may keep the extra players on the field as long as the goal differential remains. If the goal differential is reduced, then the team must remove the extra players proportionately.

SoccerZone has no toleration for fighting. The SoccerZone judiciary committee will determine suspensions based upon the intent and facts of each incident. BE FOREWARNED, severe suspensions will be imposed for fighting. I.e. throwing punches will result in a minimum one-year arena suspension.

Ball Size

• U-13 through adult - Size #5 ball.
• U-9 through U-12 - Size #4 ball
• U-8 and under - Size #3 ball

Number of Players

• U-5 and U6 ~ 4 players, no goalkeeper, mimimum of 3 to start.
• U-7 and U8 ~ 7 players, one of whom is a goalkeeper, minimum of 5 to start.
• U-9 through adult ~ 6 players, one of whom is a goalkeeper, minimum of 4 to start.
• Coed ~ 6 players, 3 men, 3 women, one of whom is a goalkeeper, minimum of 4 to start with at least 2 women.

Equipment

• Flat-soled, turf studded or molded cleat shoes may be used. Hard soled street shoes, boots, soft soled slipper shoes or bare feet are not allowed.
• Goalkeeper must wear colors to distinguish him/her from all other players.
• All team members must wear the same color jerseys to distinguish them from the opposing team and the referees. Players are asked to bring alternate color shirts (dark & light) in the event both teams are the same color. HOME team must change. In the event no other jersey is available, vests will be provided.
• Each player is required to have shinguards covered by socks.
• Goalies or other players wearing any kind of protective gear (i.e. knee pads) must wear the soft cushioned type. No hard plastic protective equipment is allowed.
• Knee braces are allowed on the condition that any potentially harmful edges or protrusions are adaquately padded. The referee has the right to disallow any potentially harmful knee braces.
• Players with casts of any kind are not allowed to participate in any sports/
• Rings and/or pierced jewelry must be covered by tape or removed per referee's instructions for safety and welfare of all players.
• All other equipment the referee deems dangerous to that player or opponent will not be allowed.

Game Clock

• The game shall be two 20 minute halves.
• The scoreboard is the official game time. The game is over when the scoreboard sounds.
• The half-time interval will be 1 minute. 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.
• Time between games shall be four minutes and teams are required to be ready to play.
• Clock may be stopped for serious injuries.
• When time is stopped for injury, the injured player must leave the game for a substitute and, if able to resume play, may not re-enter the game for a minimum of 2 minutes following the resumption of play.
• Any player who suffers a head injury will not be allowed to re-enter the game.
• If it is the goalkeeper whose injuries require the clock to be stopped and the keeper is able to continue play they may forego substitution and continue to play.
• 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 prepared to play. The referee will start the game when both teams are ready.
• The referee may start play before one or both teams are ready if the referee thinks the team is not adaquately preparing themselves for the game or simply stalling. Any goals scored after the referee's whistle count regardless of the team's readiness.

Start and End of Play

• 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.
• Visitors kickoff to begin the game every game.
• A goal can be scored directly from a kickoff. However, the kickoff cannot begin until the referee blows the whistle to start play.
• A kickoff must be played within 5 seconds of the referee's whistle or the opposing team is awarded the ball.
• The game is over when the scoreboard sounds no matter where the ball is located.

Team Boxes

• Home team is the first team listed on the schedule. Teams must take the bench designated for the home team or visitors team.
• Teams will switch sides but not benches at halftime.
• No one except coaches and players currently playing are allowed in the team boxes with a maximum of 2 coaches per team.
• No children other than those playing the present game are allowed in the boxes.
• Video taping or photography is prohibited from within the players boxes.
• Glass containers are prohibited in the players box.
• Players are asked to exit the players box immediately after the game and hold player conferences, discussions, etc. in another part of the facility.
• Players are asked to pick up all their belongings and trash immediately concluding their game.

Ball out of Play

• The ball is out of play when it touches any netting above the perimeter wall.
• The ball is out of play when it makes contact with superstructure.
• The ball is out of play when it makes contact with any player or spectator outside the arena walls
• When the ball hits the side netting, a free kick is awarded to the opposing team. The ball shall be placed approximately two feet out from the wall at the spot where the ball went out of play.
• When the ball hits the super structure, lights or netting the opposing team is awarded a free kick at the spot on the field where the ball touched the super structure, lights or netting.
• Players have 5 seconds to put a free kick into play once the ball has been placed in the designated spot.
• When the ball hits the netting above the goals, the goal keeper shall throw in the ball.

Three Line Violation

• A three line violation is defined as the ball having crossed, in the air, over both red lines without touching the perimeter wall or another player between the two lines.
• Passing the ball three lines toward your own goal is allowed.
• A three line violation will result in the opposing team being awarded a free kick from anywhere on the red line closest to the violators goal.

Fouls

A free kick shall be awarded to the opposing team from the point of infraction, for a player who commits any of the following offenses:

• Inadvertently kicks or attempts to kick an opponent will attempting to strike the ball.
• Inadvertently trips an opponent while attempting to play the ball.
• Inadvertently charges an opponent from behind while attempting to play the ball.
• Intentionally obstructing an opponent when not in possession of the ball. This includes 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 downfield and a player attempts to run through an opponent who has established position.
• Inadvertently pushes a player into the boards.
• Pushes a player in an attempt to prevent them from getting to the ball.
• Playing in such a manner so as to be deemed out of control.
• Charging the goalkeeper.
• Playing the ball while laying on the ground or while having a hand/knee on the ground.
• Intentionally playing the ball with the hands.
• If a player holds an opponent in an effort to prevent them from going to the ball.

• All of the above calls may result in a time penalty (blue, yellow or red card) depending upon the intent or degree of the violating player.
• Advantage will be only allowed when the player with the ball is beyond the center line nearest the goal the player is attacking.
• The referee will not whistle to restart play unless a player requests the referee to measure the opposing team's wall distance.
• When a team has been issued 4 blue cards in a single game, the opposing team is awarded a penalty kick from the top of the arc.
• All foul calls are at the referees discretion.

Restarts top of the arc

The following goalkeeping restrictions shall cause the referees to stop the play and award a free kick to the opponents at the top of the restraining arc.

• If the goalkeeper uses their hands when the ball is passed off the foot of a teammate.
• The goal keeper may not reach outside the box and use their hands even if they are standing in the box.
• The goalkeeper with the ball in their hands has five seconds to distribute the ball outside of the box. Dropping the ball to their feet inside the box does not stop the count.
• The goalkeeper may not go outside of the box and play the ball into the box to themselves.
• If the goalkeeper begins a slide inside the box (allowed) and as a result of their slide goes outside the box.

Time Penalties

Time penalties result in the violating player having to remove themselves from play for the designated time. The violating player's team may not replace that player on the field until the full time penalty has been served. Time penalties are broken into the following catagories:

BLUE CARD: Bench and Unsportsmanlike conduct time penalties shall be indicated by the referees showing a blue card and announcing to the player that they will be serving a two minute penalty and the nature of the penalty. A player receiving two blue cards in the same game will be issued a yellow card. Any player recieving three blue cards in the same game will be issued a red card.

YELLOW CARD: Cautionary time penalties shall be indicated by the referee showing a yellow card and announcing to the player that they will be serving a four minute penalty and the nature of the penalty. A player who has received a yellow card as a result of having received two blue cards will not be required to serve two additional minutes in the penalty box. A player receiving any other penalties after a yellow card will be issued a red card and ejected from the game.

RED CARD: Ejections shall be indicated by the referee showing a red card and announcing to the player that they are ejected from the game and the reason for the ejection. In addition, a red card results in a five minute penalty to be served by the alternate player. The full 5 minute penalty will be served regardless of scores. Players recieving a red card are suspended from all activities at SoccerZone until their case is ruled upon by the judicialry committee. The violator's team captain/coach must call the facility the next day to get the judiciary committee's ruling or time table of the judiciary committee's ruling before the violating player may play at SoccerZone again.

Incidental foul language or spitting on the field will result in a two minute penalty for the player but the team will be able to substitute for that player while they are in the penalty box.

Serving Penalties

• All players, including the goalkeeper must serve their own penalties.
• If a goal is scored against the team that is playing shorthanded then that team may return to full strength but the player who was penalized (including the goal keeper) must continue to serve their two minute penalty.
• When a team has two players in the penalty box and a goal is scored by the opposing team, only the first player penalized can be replaced. If another goal is scored, the second player may be replaced even though both players must serve out their penalties in the box.
• 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 commence when the first penalty time of the two players in the box expires.
• In all cases where a two minute penalty is issued the team will play shorthanded.

Blue Card Penalties

A player who commits any of the following offenses shall be penalized by the referee issuing a blue card which will result in the player serving a two minute penalty. Once a blue card has been issued the penalty time will not begin until the player has entered the penalty box. Calls are at the referee's discretion.

• Intentionally trips an opponent.
• Charges an opponent in a violent or dangerous manner.
• Intentionally uses their hand to play the ball. If this occurs in the penalty area a penalty kick will be awarded.
• Holds an opponent in an attempt to prevent them from playing the ball.
• Intentionally pushes a player to knock them off the ball or after they they have been fouled.
• Propels an opponent into the boards in a violent manner. A trip which inadvertently causes a player to make contact with the boards would not result in a boarding call.
• Any slide whether offensive or defensive, where a player slides towards the ball or another player in an effort to steal or kick the ball is not allowed. If the goalkeeper, who is allowed to slide, begins their slide outside the goalie box they will be given a two minute penalty for slide tackling. A slide could be considered to reach for the ball by having to go to one knee.
• Kicks or strikes the goalkeeper in a possession of the ball while attempting to play the ball.
• Fails to stand 10 feet from the ball after it is spotted and then struck by the ball. If after giving 10 feet, the opposing player moves toward the ball and is struck with the ball they will serve a penalty. The opposing player must have a reasonable amount of time to yield the 10 feet before there is an infraction.
• Once issued a blue card, a player does not immediately proceed to the penalty box. The delay will result in a second blue card which will be accompanied by a yellow card. If a player continues to refuse or delays the game they will be issued a third blue card accompanied by a red card and an ejection from the game.
• A team with too many players on the field of play will be penalized with a two-minute penalty not designated to any one specific player.
• Unsportsmanlike conduct will result in a time penalty where unsportsmanlike conduct includes but is not limited to the following.

Yellow Card Penalties

A yellow card or cautionary penalty shall be issued for the following infractions:

• A player persistently infringes on the rules.
• A player persistently dissents by word or action any referee's decisions.
• A player is guilty of persistent unsportsmanlike conduct.

Red Card Penalties

Red cards are issued for the following infractions followed by ejection from the game. A player issued a red card for fighting or abuse of a referee will be required to leave the building. Any player refusing to leave after being asked by the person in charge, whether it is a referee or staff member, will result in the police called and a complaint filed.

• 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.
• Spits at an opponent.
• Strikes or attempts to strike an opponent whether as the aggressor or in retaliation for a perceived foul.
• Is guilty of a violent conduct or serious foul play.
• Uses foul or abusive language in a confrontational manner.
• Fighting regardless of the reason.
• Any abuse of the referee whether it is 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.
• Any player who leaves the bench to become involved in a fight.

Ejections and Suspensions

• A person receiving a red card will be ejected from the game and will receive at least a one game league suspention. The judiciary committee will assess further suspentions based upon the degree of the violation. Penalty will vary from three game league suspentions to permanent SoccerZone expultion.
• A person receiving two red cards in one session will recieve an SoccerZone expulsion for at least 8 weeks.
• A person who makes an attempt to intimidate the referee by the 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 at least one year.
• A person who strikes or attempts to strike a referee (or any employee) shall receive a permanent SoccerZone expulsion.

Restarts:

1. Free Kicks - The following apply to all restarts:

• Opposing players shall quickly yield 10 feet from the ball. Dissent upon a request from the official shall result in a 2 minute penalty.
• The player taking kick cannot play the ball again until someone else touches the ball.
• If a player taking the kick delays longer than 5 seconds after having been signaled to do so by the referee, the ball shall be turned over to the opposing team to take the restart.
• All free kicks will be direct except the kickoff which must be indirect.

2. Penalty Kicks

• Penalty kicks shall be taken from the top of the arc.
• If the clock stops for half-time, the penalty kick shall be taken at the start of the second half.
• If the clock stops for the end of the game, prior to the penalty kick, then the penalty kick will immediately be taken by one of the players on the field at the time.
• Once the ball is spotted and the goalkeeper has stated that they are ready the player kicking the ball has five seconds to play the ball.
• Whistle by referee is necessary for taking a penalty kick.

3. Kickoffs

• On a kickoff the ball may be kicked in any direction. A goal can be scored from a kickoff.
• All players must be on their own side of the field at the start. If not they must go to their side before becoming involved in the play already started.
• Whistle by referee is necessary for taking a kickoff.

4. Out of Bounds

• Kick-in: When the ball touches the netting or superstructure of the building, it shall be kicked in from the point where it touched the netting or supertstructure. The ball may be kicked in any direction by a player of the team opposite to that of the player who has last touched it. The ball shall be in play immediately after it has traveled half of its circumference. A goal may be scored directly from such a kick.

5. Injury Stoppage

• Play will restart with team in possession in the moment the injury occurs. If neither team has a clear possession the game will be restarted with a drop ball.
• Any time the clock is stopped due to an injury, the injured player must leave the field for a minimum of 1 minute.

6. DropBall Restart

• May be used by referee to restart play that has been delayed by two players trapped with ball along border.

Sixth Foul Rule: